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

Farkhanda Qureshi: Small town woman achieves big success by securing 67th rank in UPSC

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

Balaghat, MADHYA PRADESH :

Farkhanda Qureshi of Balaghat, Madya Pradesh, outside UPSC office in Delhi

Farkhanda Qureshi was in her eighth grade when she saw district Collector B. Chandrasekharan son a local Television channel. This visual ignited a dream in her mind; she too wanted to become a civil servant. Today this Muslim woman from from Balaghat, a small town of Madhya Pradesh, has realized her dream which she nurtured over the years with passion, hard work, overcoming failures and perseverance.

Farkhanda Qureshi has secured 67th rank in the UPSC 2024 Civil Services Examination and would soon join the Lal Bahadur Shashtri National Academy for Administration, Dehradun, for training to become an Indian civil servant.

“I had decided that one day I will also become a collector and work for society.” She credits her success in her fourth attempt to her family’s support.

She started preparing for UPSC in 2021. Despite failures, she did not give up. She says, “My parents did not let me break down; they motivated me and told me that I will get success one day. Had they not supported me, I would have probably given up in the first or second attempt,” she told the told media persons.

Farkhanda believes that for a tough exam like UPSC, studying for 18 hours is not necessary, but consistency and strategy are. “I studied for 6 to 8 hours every day, but I studied every day. Old year papers, standard books, current affairs and newspapers were an important part of my preparation.”

Farkhanda Qureshi flanked by her parents Nikhat Anjum and Abdul Malik Qureshi

Farkhanda, who completed her 10th from St. Mary’s School and 12th from Methodist Mission, says, “Being from a small town like Balaghat has never been my weakness. I believe that if the youth here get the right direction and resources, they can make a name for themselves across the country.”

Farkhanda considers her father Abdul Malik Qureshi, who is a lawyer, and her mother Nikhat Anjum Qureshi, a homemaker, her heroes and credits her success to them.

Her father said, “Today people recognize me by my daughter’s name, nothing can give me greater happiness than this.”

There is a festive atmosphere in the area, the collector congratulated Farkhanda and and wished her a bright future. The local mosque committee (Anjuman( also felicitated her and called her inspiration for the Muslim youth.

Out of the 1,009 candidates recommended by UPSC this year, 26 are Muslims, though none made it to the Top 25. 

Iram Choudhary (Rank 40) and Farkhanda Qureshi (Rank 67) are the highest-ranking Muslim candidates in the merit list. A total of 97 Muslim candidates were selected for the interview stage, and the success rate stands at 2.57%, lower than previous years.

source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Stories / by Abdul Wasim Ansari, Balaghat, Bhopal (name error edited) / April 26th, 2025

In a first, Maharashtra gets first Muslim female IAS officer – Adeeba Anam Ashfaque Ahmed

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

Yawatmal (Vidharba Region), MAHARASHTRA :

Do it again and again. Consistency makes the raindrops create holes in the rock. Whatever is difficult can be done easily with regular attendance, attention, and action. Perhaps imbibed by the words of Israelmore Ayivor, an inspirational writer, blogger and LifeSkills Entrepreneur, Adeeba Anam Ashfaque Ahmed from Yavatmal in Maharashtra created a record of sorts to become the first female Muslim IAS officer after successfully clearing the civil services with All India Rank 142.

The success saga of Adeeba only proves the awareness shown by Muslim girls to take up civil services exams breaking the barriers.

On cloud nine are Adeeba’s parents, relatives, friends and more particularly her teachers on seeing her victory after three failures. She came out with flying colours in her fourth attempt after getting the necessary guidance and coaching from Jamia Millia Residential Coaching Academy in Delhi.

Can’t imagine a girl hailing from a parched and drought-prone Yavatmal district bringing glory to her native. All because of her patience and consistency as to the quote of American business honcho Robert Kiyosaki – “Successful people don’t fear failure but understand that it’s necessary to learn and grow from.” It is learnt that Maharashtra hardly witnessed any female Muslim IAS officers in the last one decade or so.

Kudos to her dad Ashfaq Ahmed, an auto driver, who despite financial constraints strained his nerves to make his daughter’s civil service dream a reality. Of course, her mom and uncle were very supportive in ensuring she achieved her IAS after successive failures. Adeeba started her early education at Zafarnagar Zilla Parishad Urdu Primary School, where she studied from Class 1 to Class 7. Thereafter, she finished schooling from Class 8 to 10 at Zilla Parishad Government Girls High School. And she completed her 11th and 12th grades at Zilla Parishad Ex-Government College in Yavatmal.

Armed with BSc Mathematics from Inamdar Senior College in Pune, she joined a coaching academy in Pune to take UPSC foundation classes based on the advice of her maternal uncle Jan Nizamuddin Sahib, who works as secretary at Seva NGO.

She got interested after meeting a few IAS officers and was determined to become an IAS. The road to civil services wasn’t smooth for her as she faced many obstacles. However, she was firm and worked relentlessly to taste success.

Noteworthy to mention that her dad Ashfaq Ahmed dropped out of school after tenth standard due to family circumstances. But decided not to let her daughter face the same fate, left no stone unturned and encouraged Adeeba to do her UG. Right from her school days, she had a fascination for civil services inspired by the young IAS officers’ remarkable feat through newspapers. Since then, she has been working towards her civil service dream.

In an interview to a local television channel, she is reported to have said that studying isn’t easy, especially for girls in patriarchal communities like Muslim, but her parents stood by her. She expressed her gratitude to mom, who extended support for her in her endeavours. The community was against girls pursuing higher studies, but her dad told her not to worry about society, and focus on her goal.

It is interesting to infer that she chose Urdu Literature as her optional subject despite having a science background. However, she displayed her prowess in clearing the civil services with confidence. A total of 32 candidates from Jamia Millia Islamia and 3 from Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) Residential Coaching Academy (RCA) have figured in the UPSC Civil Services 2024 Merit List. Of the 1009 candidates selected, only two Muslim candidates figured in the top 100.

She said that IAS is the first step to serve the society and added that her area of interest is to work for the underprivileged, more specifically girls. And she wanted to contribute to the education and health sector as a civil servant. Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) and Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) RCAs are renowned academies in the field of coaching students for Civil Services. They provide free coaching and training for preparing for the Civil Services Examination for candidates from SC, ST, Women, and Minority communities.

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Focus> Markers of Excellence / by M Rafi Ahmed, Radiance News Bureau / April 28th, 2025

Dr. Iqbal Urdu Primary and Middle School Adds Another Feather to Its Cap

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Malegaon (Nashik District), MAHARASHTRA :

Malegaon:

Every year, the Government of Maharashtra conducts a scholarship examination for students of Grade 5, in which lakhs of students from across the state participate. Recently, interim results of this exam were announced. In this examination, 48 students from Dr. Iqbal Urdu Primary School – a renowned and quality institution run by Al-Huda Social Welfare Society, Malegaon, District Nashik – participated. Out of these, 31 students achieved outstanding success.

Hafsa Saman Mohammad Mujahid secured 212 marks out of 300. Fatima Sitwat Azhar Hussain and Zobia Anam Mohammad Mujahid both secured 188 marks respectively, while Sheikh Umar Sheikh Sabir obtained 186 marks.

The school administration always strives not only to encourage students to participate in competitive exams but also to ensure their thorough preparation. For this purpose, the school arranges special classes throughout the year specifically for scholarship students, providing them with extensive practice.

Behind this success lies the significant role of competent and dedicated teachers. The school has expert teachers for this competitive scholarship activity, and the Headmaster is always ready to guide the students. In addition, the parents extended full support.

The institution’s President Dr. Ahmed Urooj, Vice President Khwaja Nizamuddin, Secretary Riyaz Khan, Headmaster Mohammad Ateeque ur Rahman, and the school staff congratulated the students and their parents and expressed their best wishes for great success in the future.

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Education> Latest News / by Radiance News Bureau / April 26th, 2025

BIT hosts ‘Talent Hunt 2025’: Scholarships awarded to promising science students

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

Mangalore, KARNATAKA :

Mangalore: 

Bearys Institute of Technology (BIT), in association with BEADS, successfully organized the Talent Hunt 2025, an in-house entrance examination aimed at identifying and nurturing young talent among II PUC science students. The event was held on April 12, 2025, at the BIT campus, Bearys Knowledge Campus (BKC), near Mangalore University, Innoli.

The event commenced with a warm welcome address by Dr. Anjum Khan, Faculty of Basic Science, who highlighted the significance of early academic encouragement for budding engineers and architects.

The keynote address was delivered by Dr. S.I. Manjur Basha, Principal of BIT, and Architect Khaleel Abdul Razak, Principal of BEADS. They emphasized the value of integrated learning, innovation, and the vision behind offering generous scholarships to meritorious students through such initiatives.

A large number of students participated in the Talent Hunt exam, and up to 100% scholarships were awarded to the most outstanding performers, with all participants receiving a minimum of 10% scholarship on tuition fees.

The results were officially announced by Heena, HR at BIT.

Among the top achievers, Ibrahim Nasim from Yenapoya PU College, Udyavara, secured a 100% scholarship, while Ayishath Sahla (Anugraha PU College, Vitla) and B U Khadeejath Thabsheera (Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam PU, Ira) were awarded 50% scholarships each.

Seven other students received 25% scholarships for their exceptional performance.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Prof. Joyson from the Department of Basic Science.

source: http://www.english.varthabharati.in / Vartha Bharati / Home> Karavali / by Vartha Bharati / April12th, 2025

Chairman of Mitra Academy Iqbal Ahmed receives Lifetime Achievement Award by Education Today

Amazing Feats, Community Involvement / Social Issues, Education, Karnataka (under research project), Leaders, Women/Girls(since May26-2021), , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Bengaluru, KARNATAKA :

Bengaluru:

In recognition of his outstanding contributions to the field of education, Iqbal Ahmed, Chairperson of Little Flower Public School and Chairman of Mitra Academy in Bengaluru, was bestowed with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award – 2023 by Education Today Magazine.

The ceremony, held at the Taj Hotel Kempegowda International Airport Rd, Bengaluru, on December 11, 2023, celebrated Ahmed’s commitment to educational excellence.

“The accolade is a testament to Mr. Ahmed’s deep-rooted passion for education, driven by a sense of social responsibility. His leadership has not only elevated academic standards within the schools but has also prioritized holistic development, shaping students into well-rounded individuals with both knowledge and character. His dedication to excellence serves as an inspiration to educators and learners alike,” a press release stated.

The Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes Iqbal Ahmed’s impact on the educational landscape, acknowledging his role in providing exceptional education at an accessible cost.

Expressing gratitude upon receiving the award, Iqbal Ahmed attributed the honour to the collective efforts of the school’s faculty, staff, students, and parents.

In addition to Iqbal Ahmed’s Lifetime Achievement Award, the ceremony also celebrated Tanveer Ahmed, CEO of Mitra Academy and Little Flower Public School, and his wife, Nafeesa Ahmed, Director of Presidency Group of Institutions Bengaluru/Mangaluru, who were honoured with the Power Couple Award for 2023 by Education Today Magazine.

source: http://www.english.varthabharati.in / Vartha Bharati / Home> India / by Vartha Bharati / December 12th, 2023

Trailblazing Leadership Dr Nafeesa Ahmed’s Vision For Empowering Minds In Education

Amazing Feats, Education, Karnataka (under research project), Leaders, Women/Girls(since May26-2021), , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Bengaluru, KARNATAKA :

In the bustling city of Bangalore, where the convergence of tradition and modernity creates a unique educational landscape, Dr Nafeesa Ahmed stands as a beacon of transformative leadership in the field of education. Dr Nafeesa has carved out a unique path for herself as the Director of the Presidency Group of Institutions while also carrying on her father, Dr Nissar Ahmed’s legacy of excellence and innovation.

Dr Nafeesa Ahmed, Director, Presidency Group of Institutions, Bengaluru, Karnataka

Dr Nafeesa’s educational journey is nothing short of impressive. A graduate of Mount Carmel College, Bangalore, she holds a Bachelor of Business Management (BBM) degree and pursued postgraduate studies in English literature at Bangalore University. Her commitment to education led her to earn a bachelor’s degree in education from IGNOU. Venturing beyond Indian shores, Dr Nafeesa enriched her perspective with a Master’s in International Management from Royal Holloway, University of London. This international exposure was instrumental in shaping her understanding of global education trends.

Her dedication to continuous learning took her to the prestigious Harvard School, where she honed her skills in management and leadership. Dr Nafeesa’s academic prowess is underscored by her diverse qualifications, including a BBM, a B.Ed., an MA in English Literature, and a Master’s in International Management. Her educational journey serves as an inspiration, reflecting the importance of a broad and holistic approach to learning.

Leadership at the Presidency Group of Institutions

Taking the reins as the Director of the Presidency Group of Institutions, Dr Nafeesa has led the K-12 chain of elite institutions with a commitment to “Equal Opportunity in Diversity.” Her vision is to provide high-quality, affordable education to students from diverse backgrounds. Focusing on aspects like course structure, pedagogical innovation, and outcome-based evaluation, she has fostered a conducive teaching and learning environment.

During the challenging times of the pandemic, Dr Nafeesa displayed exemplary leadership by seamlessly transitioning the education system from physical to virtual and eventually to a mixed classroom approach. Her leadership has been pivotal in ensuring that the team of highly-qualified educators delivers the finest education to students.

Accolades and Achievements: A Trailblazer in Education

Dr Nafeesa’s journey is adorned with prestigious awards and recognitions, attesting to her significant contributions to the field of education. Notably, she received the Economic Times Power Icon Award for “Exceptional Contribution in Education” in 2020 and was honoured as “The Education Icon of the Year 2021” by Education Today. Her recognition as a ‘Speaker’ at the “APAC 5th Global Education & Skill Conclave” and features in Women Entrepreneurs and Education World India showcase her as a thought leader in the education domain.

A crowning achievement in her illustrious career is the conferral of a Ph.D., Philosophiae Doctor Honoris Causa (HC) in Education Management by Ecole Superieure Robert De Sorbon (ESRDS), France, Europe. The recognition, awarded at The House of Lords, London, is a testament to Dr Nafeesa’s global impact and commitment to educational excellence.

As Dr Nafeesa Ahmed continues to shape the future of education, her journey stands as an inspiration, showcasing the transformative power of visionary leadership in the realm of academia. In the words of Dr Nafeesa, “My loved ones have been my rock through thick and thin. Having their back has been crucial to my success.” Indeed, her success radiates not only through personal accolades but also through the positive impact she has had on the lives of countless students and educators.

source: http://www.outlookindia.com / Outlook / Home> Brand Studio / by The Outlook Bureau / March 08th, 2024

Seven MS students score above 99 percentile in JEE mains result 2025

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TELANGANA :

37 students qualify for JEE Advanced.

Felicitation of MS students.

Hyderabad: 

Seven students of MS Junior College scored above 99 percentile in JEE mains result 2025.

Among the students, Munazza Siddiqui scored 99.016 percentile in the exam.

The result of JEE mains 2025 was declared nationwide on Saturday, April 20 by the NTA.

Alongside Munazza, several other students from MS Junior College also showcased excellent performance in JEE Main 2025.

List of 7 MS students who scored above 99 percentile in IIT-JEE mains result 2025

A total of 7 students scored above the impressive 99 percentile. They are as follows:

  1. Hafiz Mohammed Abdul Muheeth Simal – 99.86 percentile
  2. Mohammed Ridhan – 99.74 percentile
  3. Muhammed Zahi Faisal – 99.57 percentile
  4. Hamza Wesal – 99.42 percentile
  5. Afnan Ahmed – 99.30 percentile
  6. Adnan Fayas NK – 99.08 percentile
  7. Munazza Siddiqui – 99.016 percentile

In addition, 21 students scored above 93.10 percentile. The total number of MS students qualifying for the prestigious JEE Advanced is 37.

Toppers were felicitated

To celebrate the achievement, Munazza Siddiqui and other top-performing students were felicitated at a special ceremony held at the MS Education Academy’s Corporate Office, Masab Tank, Hyderabad.

On the occasion, the Founder and Chairman of MS Education Academy Mohammed Lateef Khan described Munazza’s success as “historic,” calling it a guiding light for girls of the entire community. He also extended congratulations to all the successful students, their parents and teachers.

The event was also graced by MS Education Academy’s Managing Directors Anwar Ahmed and Dr. Moazzam Hussain.

So far, 173 students from MS have secured admission into IITs, NITs, and other top national institutions.

source: http://www.siasat.com / The Siasat Daily / Home> Lifestyle / by Sameer Khan / April 20th, 2025

Hina Saifi, a Climate Change Champion, Unearthing Hope from Village Dweller to Climate Visionary

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Sisola Village (Meerut District), UTTAR PRADESH :

Hina Saifi’s remarkable journey from rural roots to Climate Change Champion is an inspiring example of empowering change.

Hina Saifi pioneering Global Change Advocate reshaping rural realities

A youthful dreamer and a climate change activist named Hina Saifi has lit the route to long-term reform in the heart of Uttar Pradesh. She was born and reared in Sisola, a humble village in Meerut district. Her journey from a low-income family to a trailblazing advocate for climate education and action exemplifies the spirit of leadership that crosses borders. Hina Saifi’s United Nations association in the campaign known as #WeTheChangeNOW led her to be part and face of the campaign among the list of 17 climate change leaders.

Early Life and Education

  • Hina Saifi, Meerut’s resident, hails from Sisola, where education for girls is a formidable challenge.
  • Hina, the young climate leader, is currently pursuing MBA from the Bharti Institute of Technology, Meerut. She has reached this stage in life with her true dedication and willingness to break the stereotypical barriers of her village and change the existing mindsets.
  • Considering the situation of Sisola, an underdeveloped village in Uttar Pradesh, Hina couldn’t even imagine pursuing her studies post-8th grade, over a decade ago.
  • Managing to achieve complete school education, along with higher studies, Hina has showcased her limitless power and outshined on a national level for Women Climate Crusaders among 16 other women.
  • Hina Saifi, Women Climate Collective’s crucial member, has made a remarkable turn in her life. Her trajectory seemed predestined by the harsh realities of her village, where education was a luxury and the pursuit of higher learning was rare.
  • However, against all odds, Hina’s mother recognized the value of education and facilitated her journey to knowledge.
  • At such a young age, her thoughts align with personal as well as environmental growth and sustainability, which sets her apart from today’s youth.

“Poverty is rampant in my underdeveloped village, and child labor is common here. I, too, was advised to stop studying after I finished the eighth standard. However, I stuck to my decision to study further. To support myself through school and to help my family, I also worked part-time in a football factory”.

         —– Hina Saifi

Hina Saifi: Championing Climate Education

  • 22-year-old Hina Saifi’s journey into climate advocacy began with a realization that education was the cornerstone of addressing the multifaceted challenges troubling her village.
  • Armed with this insight, she set out on a quest to motivate children to attend school, thereby causing a small wave of awareness.
  • Partnering with local NGOs and the ‘Women Climate Collective’ (WCC), she found her voice in discussions about climate change, clean energy, and sustainability.
  • She was the first one from her village to move to Lucknow and be part of the Climate Agenda Initiative 2018.
  • Proud to be a member of Women Climate Collective, she supports the notion that addressing the climate crisis and fighting climate change is a collective responsibility of the people and not just that of the government alone.
  • Hina has also achieved an international recognition by her association with #WetheChangeNOW campaign by United Nations(UN) in India. The campaign showcases the climate based solutions devised by 17 young Indians that are innovative, sustainable and equitable, further focusing on strengthening engagements with governments and society.

The Hina Saifi Chronicles of Grassroots Change

  • Hina’s endeavors extended beyond education, culminating in the ‘Suraj Se Samriddhi’ campaign, launched by herself that spotlights solar power’s potential and advocates for cleaner energy solutions.
  • Her grassroots approach, encompassing workshops, speeches, and dialogues, has led to tangible change: cleaner streets, waste-free water bodies, and enhanced greenery. She acknowledges the intrinsic link between education and climate, recognizing their mutual capacity for transformation.
  • Hina’s belief in micro-behaviors as agents of monumental transformation underscores her leadership philosophy. By engaging with the village Pradhan and initiating innovative projects, she showcases the potential of individual actions to revolutionize communities.
  • Her involvement in the ‘100% Uttar Pradesh’ initiative reflects her dedication to the larger cause, emphasizing that collective progress stems from local commitment.

Hina Saifi: Empowering Change Through Climate Advocacy

Hina Saifi’s journey, stemming from her village’s challenges, inspires hope for a greener future. As a catalyst for change, her efforts stimulate broader dialogues concerning the representation of women’s voices in climate advocacy. Through platforms like the Women Climate Collective, her voice resonates beyond geographical boundaries, exemplifying the power of unity in tackling global challenges. From her humble origins in Sisola to her pivotal role within the Collective, Hina embodies the leadership needed for a brighter tomorrow. Her story showcases how determination and knowledge can bring about significant change.

source: http://www.leaderbiography.com / Leader Biography / Home> Featured> Featured Women / by Rahul Iyer

Cool way to show warmth

Amazing Feats, Community Involvement / Social Issues, FREE : Food, Women/Girls(since May26-2021), , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Chennai, TAMIL NADU :

In addition to food donations, the initiative also features a charity counter right next to the fridge.

A sign reads ‘Ayyamittu Unn’, a call to “share the food with the needy before you eat”.(Photo | P Ravikumar, EPS)

Chennai :

The lights flicker on as the fridge door opens. A cool burst of air escapes, revealing neatly arranged packets of home-cooked meals, biscuits, and bottled water—the humble bounty waiting for the city’s hungry. There’s no cashier. No question asked. Only a sign reading ‘Ayyamittu Unn’, a call to “share the food with the needy before you eat”.

Launched in 2017 by Dr M Issa Fathima Jasmine, a Chennai-based dentist, ‘Ayyamittu Unn’ has evolved into the city’s very own food-sharing revolution in the last eight years. What started as a single community fridge in Besant Nagar has now spread to 11 locations across Chennai, from Broadway and Mylapore to Kodambakkam, and the most recent addition in Saligramam’s Kaveri Rangan Nagar.

The concept is brilliantly simple: Place a refrigerator in a public, accessible location, allow anyone to donate surplus food and let those in need take what they require. Open daily from 7 am to 8 pm, these fridges accept sealed, fresh, and wholesome items. To ensure safety, strict guidelines are in place: Only packaged or freshly cooked food is allowed, while raw meat, seafood, eggs, alcohol, and half-eaten meals are strictly prohibited. The focus is on ensuring that generosity meets safety without compromise.

In addition to food donations, the initiative also features a charity counter right next to the fridge. Here, residents can donate books, toys, clothes and other essential items for those in need. A register is meticulously maintained for transparency, while a security guard oversees the process to ensure that both food and other donated goods remain in proper condition and are not misused.

In Kaveri Rangan Nagar, it’s a full-blown community affair. The fridge was set up with the active involvement of Dr Sulaikha, a gynaecologist and daughter of social activist MD Ghani. Ghani, who dedicated his life to improving local infrastructure, left behind a legacy of community service that Dr Sulaikha now honours.

In one modest home on KK Salai, a family has generously provided a portion of their premises to house the refrigerator and manage its daily upkeep. Local businesses, too, have thrown in their support; a nearby hotel contributes six breakfast packets every morning, while residents routinely drop off lunch boxes, biscuits, and even occasional sweet treats.

Community effort ensures that the fridge which is affectionately dubbed ‘Akshaya Patra’ never runs empty (Photo | P Ravikumar, EPS)

For many, the fridge is nothing short of a lifeline. “I get food here at least three days a week. My work hours are unpredictable, so I can’t always be here, but when I do manage to come, it saves me from having to buy meals. Earlier, I mostly relied on roadside vendors—this is safer and more reliable,” says R Rengaraj, a loadman working at the Saligramam market. For Rengaraj, and countless others like him, the fridge not only reduces daily food expenses but also provides the reassurance of a proper meal in a city where hunger often goes unnoticed.

Beyond its practical benefits, ‘Ayyamittu Unn‘ taps into something deeper – a sense of community. The initiative is backed by the Public Foundation (an NGO founded by Dr Jasmine), which handles the logistics and coordination. Dr Issa Fathima and Dr Sulaikha sum it up succinctly.

(Photo | P Ravikumar, EPS)

“‘Ayyamittu Unn’ is not just about food – it’s about trust and a collective commitment to social responsibility. Small acts of kindness can create a huge difference.” Community effort ensures that the fridge — affectionately dubbed Akshaya Patra after the legendary vessel that never runs empty — continues to serve as a reliable source of nourishment.

This is a vibrant example of how local solutions can effectively tackle issues like food waste and hunger simultaneously. In a country where a significant amount of edible food is discarded daily, redirecting surplus to those in need is also a step towards environmental sustainability.

As the initiative continues to gain momentum, there are plans to replicate the model in other parts of the city and even in neighbouring districts. This is not charity with strings. It is not aid from a distance; it is how one neighbour looks out for another.

(Edited by Adarsh TR)

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Good News / by S Kumaresan / edited by Adarsh TR / April 06th, 2025

Nargis, Hafiza and working hard against poverty, society to become doctors

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

Dalgaon (Darrang District), ASSAM :

Nargis Sultana being felicitated by her neighbours after her she scored a distinction in her matriculation examinations

The academic success of the daughter of a Maulana in Assam’s Darrang district has revealed the determination of Indian Muslim women to defeat adversities and break stereotypes for giving wings to their dreams.

Nargis Sultana, the daughter of a Maulana who passed the High School Leaving Certificate Examination or Matriculation examination in 2022 with distinction despite facing various challenges, studies for more than 12 hours to fulfill her dream of becoming a doctor.

Nargis is the second daughter of Samsher Ali and Nasira Khatoon, residents of Kachari Bheti in Dalgaon in the Darrang district.

Born in a very backward and remote area, Nargis had to walk 5-6 km daily from her home and cross a river to reach her school for her primary education.

Being the daughter of a Maulana, many residents in her village asked her to learn Islamic textbooks including the Holy Quran instead of going to school for modern education. But Nargis was determined to go to school and her parents backed her.

Maulana Shamsher Ali (Left), the father of Nargis (In white dress) and his family

Nargis Sultana told Awaz-the Voice, “I was a student of Anandaram Barua Academy in Siliguri when I appeared for the Matric examination or Class X final in 2022. Besides my hard work and dedication, I want to give credit to the teachers for my success. After knowing my poor financial background they (teachers) helped me to continue my education.”

Anandaram Barua Academy did not charge any fee and provided free tuition from Nargis for her education from the Class ninth and Tenth.

In the Matric exam 2022 Nargis scored 96 (out of 100 marks) in Social Science, 95 in Mathematics, 92 in Assamese, 90 in Elective Subjects, 90 in English, and 78 in General Science.

Nargis got is studying at Ajmal College in Hojai and pursuing a science stream for her higher secondary examination.

“Many people and teachers have helped me financially to continue my education. They have pinned high hopes on me. So, I cannot disappoint them. I am studying more than 10 hours daily so that I can excel in 12th stands due next year. I want to become a doctor. I will try to become a gynecologist and serve the poor people in rural areas by reducing maternal and infant mortality rates among them,” Nargis said.

Nasira Khatoon while expressing gratitude to the almighty Allah and those who have helped her daughter to continue her education, said she is hopeful that “Nargis will become a successful doctor in the future to serve humanity.”

Hafiza Begum (Left) being felicitated

Similarly, another Muslim girl student from Dalgaon in Darrang district Hafiza Begum has also proved that poverty cannot be an obstacle to academic excellence.

Hafiza, daughter of e-rickshaw driver Habib Ullah, has told Awaz- The Voice that she had passed the Matriculation examination from Adarsh Jatiya Vidyalaya, Dalgaon by securing distinction marks.

Hafiza is determined to become a doctor and later prepare for the Union Civil Service Examination.

source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Stories / by Munni Begum, Guwahati / May 05th, 2023