First Female’ Truck Driver Of Kashmir Breaks Stereotypes
Pulwama, Kashmir :
In a remarkable display of determination and resilience, 37-year-old Rabiya Yaseen from South Kashmir’s Pulwama district has emerged as the region’s first female truck driver, breaking societal barriers and challenging gender stereotypes in a traditionally male-dominated profession.
A resident of Wakharwan, Rabiya’s journey began with her passion for driving light motor vehicles, which soon led her to obtain a heavy motor vehicle license. Now, she drives her own truck across India, covering long distances and earning her livelihood through her unconventional career choice.
Supported unconditionally by her family, especially her husband Mohammad Imtiyaz and mother-in-law Shehnaza Begum, Rabiya has faced numerous challenges but remained steadfast. “It was tough to step into this profession, but we all stood by her,” Shehnaza stated, emphasizing the importance of family encouragement in breaking societal norms.
For the past three years, Rabiya has been on the road, navigating highways across the country and proving that women can excel in any field when given the right opportunities. Her inspiring journey stands as a testament to the evolving role of women in Kashmir and serves as motivation for others to pursue their dreams fearlessly.
source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Pride of the Nation> Markers of Excellence / by Radiance News Bureau / February 26th, 2025
Chandanpatti Village (Darbhanga District) BIHAR / Hyderabad, TELANGANA :
Hyderabad:
Here is an amazing story of a single mother and her only child who brought tears of joy to her eyes by securing the first rank in the UGC-NET JRF examination.
Anam Zafar, 25, secured the 100 percentile in the examination. Her mother, Rehana Khatoon, lives in Chandanpatti village, Darbhanga district in Bihar. When Rehana Khatoon heard about the feat achieved by her daughter she could not stop tears flowing down her cheeks.
Anam Zafar is in the last leg of her M Ed fourth semester at Maulana Azad National Urdu University.
The Department of Education and Training felicitated Anam Zafar at a special event organised on Wednesday, two days after the news broke out. Faculty members, students, and university officials gathered to celebrate her exceptional accomplishment.
During the ceremony, the faculty members praised Anam Zafar’s dedication, perseverance, and commitment to excellence. Her achievement was highlighted as a role model for aspiring researchers.
Prof Shaheen A Shaik, Head of the Department, commended her hard work and stated, “Anam Zafar’s achievement is a testament to the high academic standards and research culture at MANUU. Her success will inspire many students to aim for excellence.”
Alongside Zafar, the department also felicitated other students who successfully qualified for UGC-NET and JRF. Their accomplishments were celebrated as a collective success of the university’s academic environment and the faculty’s dedicated mentorship.
Anam’s mother was divorced by her husband when the girl was only eight years old. Working as a teacher at a private school for Rs 800 a month, Rehana Khatoon enrolled her child in a school that worked under the Central Board of Education.
According to sources at MANUU, except for Anam’s uncle (her father’s brother), no one checked on her condition during her difficult years. Treading a difficult social and economic path her mother enrolled her in B Ed at the Centre for Teachers’ Education of MANUU in Darbhanga. Her obvious next step was joining M Ed of the University at Hyderabad.
In the meantime, she was married to Johar Ali, a technocrat working with a private firm in Hyderabad. The couple lives in the Lingampally area, close to the MANUU campus.
Anam says she could not have trodden the difficult road so far if her mother had not encouraged her at every step. “Now my husband has joined my mother and wishes me to complete PhD,” she said.
Anam, as a research fellow is expected to get about Rs 45,000 per month.
She expressed gratitude to her mother, mentors, faculty members, and family for their continuous support and encouragement and credited the university’s academic environment and guidance from her professors as key factors behind her success.
source: http://www.siasat.com / The Siasat Daily / Home> News> Hyderabad / by Mir Ayoob Ali Khan / February 26th, 2025
Heart Lamp is one among the 13 books chosen by the 2025 International Booker Prize judging panel, headed by Max Porter.
Banu Mushtaq. File | Photo Credit: The Hindu
“It is an honour for Kannada that a work written in our language is getting this recognition,” said Hassan-based Kannada writer, advocate and activist Banu Mushtaq, whose collection of stories Heart Lamp, translated by Deepa Bhasthi, has found a place in the long list for the International Booker Prize 2025.
Heart Lamp is one among the 13 books chosen by the 2025 judging panel, headed by Max Porter. The judges made their selection from 154 books submitted by publishers. The shortlist of books will be announced on April 8 and the winner will be announced on May 20.
Heart Lamp, is a collection of 11 short stories written by Banu Mushtaq between 1990 and 2023. “So far I have brought out six collections of short stories in Kannada. Among them, 11 were chosen for the collection Heart Lamp,” said Ms. Mushtaq.
What judges said
The judge panel, in its comment on the collection, stated, “Written in a style at once witty, vivid, colloquial, moving and excoriating, it’s in her characters – the sparky children, the audacious grandmothers, the buffoonish maulvis and thug brothers, the off-hapless husbands, and the mothers above all, surviving their feelings at great cost – that Musthaq emerges as an astonishing writer and observer of human nature, building disconcerting emotional heights out of a rich spoken style.”
Earlier, an English translation of a collection of her short stories Haseena and Other Stories won English PEN translation award for the year 2024. That was also translated by Deepa Bhasthi.
Early years
Ms. Mushtaq began writing in the progressive literary movement in Karnataka in the 1970s and 1980s, which gave voice to several people from dalit and minority communities, including strong women’s voices in Ms. Mushtaq.
Some of her early writings were published in Lankesh Patrike, for whom she also worked as a correspondent for some years. The writer remains a committed voice in the progressive circles, and remained critical of forces that divide people among lines of caste, class, gender and religion.
Among her important works are Hejje Moodida Haadi, Benki-Male, Edeya Hanate, Badavara Magalu Hennalla (short stories), Kubra (novel) Odde Kannina Baagina (poetry), Ibbaniya Kaavu (essays) and Kautumbika Daurjanya Kayide (on Domestic Violence Act). Haseena has also been made into a film, directed by Girish Kasaravalli.
The late Kannada writer and Jnanpith awardee U.R. Ananthamurthy was also nominated for Man Booker International Prize in 2013, but did not win it.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Books> Author / by The Hindu Bureau / February 26th, 2025
Dr Saman Zehra, a researcher at the Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), has been awarded the prestigious Young Scientist Award at ICC 2025.
Aligarh Muslim University:
Dr Saman Zehra, a researcher at the Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), has been awarded the prestigious Young Scientist Award at ICC 2025.
Dr Saman Zehra won the award at the second edition of International Conference in Chemistry 2025 held at Maulana Azad National Urdu University (MANUU) Hyderabad.
Dr Saman’s research was on “Smart Multi-Functional Coatings for Controlled Corrosion Protection,” contributing to sustainable materials.
Dr. Saman Zehra is a researcher under the Women Scientist Program (WOS-A) of the Department of Science and Technology (DST) at the Department of Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Aligarh Muslim University (AMU).
Dr Saman, who completed her Ph.D. under Professor Mohammad Mobin at AMU, presented her research under the mentorship of Prof. Rais Ahmad.
AMU’s Department of Applied Sciences was established in 1958 in the Faculty of Engineering and Technology, which was subsequently split into 3 sections namely, Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics. In 1988, the Chemistry section was upgraded to a full-fledged Department of Applied Chemistry.
source: http://www.ummid.com / Ummid.com / Home> Science & Technology / by ummid.com, science desk / February 26th, 2025
Taldi Village (South 24 Parganas District), WEST BENGAL :
Photo Credit: enewsroom
Kolkata:
Parvin Sultana, a young woman from West Bengal, has secured the top position in the All India Industrial Training Institute (ITI) examination 2024 in the Mechanic Diesel Trade, scoring an impressive 599 out of 600 marks.
Despite financial struggles, she achieved this remarkable feat without private coaching. Recognizing her exceptional performance, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee felicitated her, and she also received official recognition from Delhi.
Hailing from Taldi village in South 24 Parganas district, Parvin ranked first among female candidates nationwide. However, her academic success contrasts with her family’s financial difficulties. Her father, Taziur Rahman Sardar, works as a daily wage laborer in a fish market, striving to support their seven-member household.
Parvin’s educational journey has been one of determination. She completed her schooling at Taldi Surabala Sikshayatan for Girls’ School, securing 42% in her Madhyamik exams in 2017 and 76% in her Higher Secondary exams in 2019. In 2023, she earned a Political Science degree with 66% marks.
Despite financial hardships, Parvin remained focused on her studies, preparing for the ITI exam with the guidance of her college teachers instead of opting for private tutoring. “I couldn’t afford a tutor, but my teachers supported me. I want to prove that girls can excel in every field,” she said.
Lokman Mollah, a social worker in Canning, praised her perseverance, stating, “Many talented students in the Sundarbans go unnoticed due to financial constraints. Parvin’s success is proof that determination can overcome any obstacle.”
Parvin was honored at a public reception in Canning, organized by the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and led by MLA Paresh Ram Das. Canning Panchayat Samiti President Uttam Das also recognized her achievements, while her mother, Rijia Bibi, voiced concerns about financial constraints. “She wants to study further, but we lack the resources,” she said.
Assuring assistance, MLA Paresh Ram Das stated, “Just as Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee supports meritorious students, we, too, stand by them.”
While excelling in the ITI exam, Parvin’s ultimate goal is to serve society through the civil services. Inspired by her recent success, she has decided to prepare for competitive exams. “Initially, I wasn’t sure what to study for a secure job, but after my ITI results, many suggested civil services. Now, I am enrolling in a coaching center in Kolkata to prepare,” she said.
Parvin’s journey from a small village to national recognition serves as an inspiration, proving that resilience and hard work can overcome financial hardships.
source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Pride of the Nation> Markers of Excellence / by Radiance News Bureau / February 13th, 2025
In a remarkable display of dedication, Farhana I M has secured second rank in M.Tech Computer Science and Engineering under Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU).
What makes her achievement extraordinary is not just academic excellence but the journey behind it. A mother of three, she balanced family responsibilities while pursuing higher education, proving that determination breaks barriers. Her story is a testament to the boundless nature of passion for learning.
Born to Ismail Kundapur and married to Imran Kundapur, Farhana shares a close bond with her brother-in-law, Mohammed Ashif Karnire, CEO of Expertise Contracting Company in Saudi Arabia.
Reflecting on her journey, Farhana credits her love for education and the desire to set an example for her children as her driving forces. She hopes her success inspires other mothers and students to pursue their aspirations despite challenges.
Her accomplishment stands as a beacon of motivation, encouraging students and professionals alike to chase their dreams with dedication and perseverance.
source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Focus> Markers of Excellence / by Radiance News Bureau / February 16th, 2025
Simrah Mir, a Kashmiri student, beat the odds to score 99.39 percentile in JEE Mains, inspiring countless students.
Simrah Mir, a JEE topper from Kashmir. | Photo by Special Arrangement
She comes from a region where resilience is a way of life. When Simrah spoke over the phone, her voice exuded conviction which only comes with a sense of achievement.
“At one point, I felt like giving up,” she began. Yet even her recall of desperation was in an unwavering tone.
Hailing from Kashmir’s Pulwama, a town often making the headlines for more negative than positive news, Simrah Mir has given a reason for the region to shine bright. Defying all odds stacked up against her, this young woman has brought immense joy and pride to the valley by scoring 99.39 percentile in the recently concluded JEE Mains this year.
Simrah’s is not just a personal victory but may well be an inspiration for countless students across Kashmir. Simrah, a student of a local government school, attended RISE coaching classes in Srinagar for JEE.
RISE is a coaching institute in Srinagar started by three former IITians: Salman Shahid and Imbesat Ahmad, both alumni of IIT Kharagpur, and Mubeen Masudi of IIT Bombay. Mubeen is a Kashmiri, says Mr. Shahid. “We started our institute in 2015 since we wanted to do something for Kashmir. When we started out, only a handful enrolled in our classes. Today, every year, some three to four students from our institute go to IIT and 70 to 80 students go to NIT. Twenty percent of these students are girls,” says Mr Shahid.
In an interview with The Hindu, Simrah spoke about her challenges, triumphs, and her fresh optimism for the road ahead.
She says: “At times, there were internet shutdowns, and many times it was a fearful environment at my hometown. My parents sheltered me from everything, even from what happening around our near vicinity. Then I moved to Srinagar. It was difficult to travel up and down daily from Pulwama every day for the coaching classes. It’s a long distance.”
Unlike many students who set their sights on JEE early on, Simrah’s decision to pursue engineering evolved over time. “It was a big step. Initially, I didn’t know much about JEE. I joined the RISE Institute, and there I got to know about the exam and started looking at engineering as a career. Later, I faced difficulties in my preparation. I felt like giving up, but my parents constantly supported and motivated me,” she continued.
What kept you motivated? What were the reactions of your parents, friends, and teachers to your preparations?
Initially, when I was searching for an interest, my parents and relatives were pushing me towards medicine. I didn’t like Biology and I’m not interested in Medicine. From an early age, I was interested in Physics and Mathematics; I wanted to know about the subjects. I studied by myself. I used to read books other than my textbooks. Physics and Maths interested me.
Later on, I decided that it is a stream for me. I decided I had to take Mathematics and Physics as a career.
Any obstacles or resistance you came across while preparing for JEE? Did you ever think about what would happen if you didn’t get selected?
There were definitely moments of doubt. And I used to have them often. As I said, I felt like giving up. JEE is a tough exam. I did think about what would happen if I didn’t get selected. But every time I felt low, my parents supported me. That helped me stay focused and push through the tough times.
I recently spoke to some people in Assam and learned that language, infrastructure, and cultural barriers can be obstacles in education. Did you face any challenges like that?
Shifting to Srinagar was a big deal for me. I’m from Pulwama, and it was getting difficult. There were no coaching classes specifically for JEE preparations
I did think of going to Delhi or another State initially because there are good institutes there. But then I realised it might not be beneficial for me. I have never lived alone, and I felt like I should be close to my parents.
In Kashmir, students usually prefer medicine and becoming doctors, especially girls. It’s rare for a girl to take engineering as a career.
Did your school play any role in your success? Did they provide career counselling or extra classes for JEE aspirants?
There was enough career counselling but no extra classes specifically for JEE aspirants. Most students in my school focused on board exams.
Nobody actually introduced the subject to me. I was inquisitive. There were some other students too who were genuinely interested to study and were inquisitive like me.
Which branch of engineering attracts you the most? And why? And have you thought about any specific college you would like to join?
I have not thought about it. Of course, I want to go to the best college. I want to go to IIT.
Personally, I want to take Computer Science Engineering, but I don’t know exactly what will happen in the future. I haven’t researched much yet. It also depends on my rank and how I perform in the JEE Advanced exam.
What do you wish to become eventually?
As of now, my goal is to pursue Computer Science Engineering. I would see where my passion takes me eventually.
What advice and tips you would want to give to JEE aspirants from your region?
In Kashmir, many students, especially girls, hesitate to choose engineering because it’s not the common path. But if you genuinely enjoy Mathematics and Physics, you should give it a chance. It’s important to be practical.
JEE is tough, and there will be challenges. But if you take it step by step and stay disciplined, you can do it.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Education / by Mantasha Ahmed / February 15th, 2025
Dr. Fatima Jalid, an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering at the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Srinagar, has been recognized in the newly published book She Is – 75 Women in Chemistry.
Published by Beyond Black in collaboration with the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA) to the Government of India and the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC), UK, the book was unveiled on February 6 at the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) in Bhopal. It is the fourth edition in the She Is series and highlights the achievements of 75 Indian women making remarkable contributions in chemistry and related fields.
The book, authored by Elsa Marie D’Silva and Supreet K Singh, sheds light on the journeys of women from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities who have persevered against challenges to establish themselves in the field of chemistry. The authors emphasize that these women serve as beacons of inspiration, proving that determination and dedication can lead to excellence in scientific research.
Dr. Jalid’s research at NIT Srinagar focuses on developing chemical compounds and processes with applications in material science, environmental chemistry, and biotechnology. By integrating interdisciplinary approaches, she has advanced scientific knowledge in both theoretical and applied chemistry.
In a male-dominated field, Dr. Jalid has emerged as a role model for aspiring women in STEM. Her mentorship has created an inclusive academic environment at NIT Srinagar, encouraging more female students to pursue careers in scientific research. Actively involved in initiatives promoting women in science, she has organized workshops, seminars, and outreach programs to enhance female representation in STEM fields.
Believing that science should be accessible to all, Dr. Jalid advocates for inclusivity in research, ensuring that knowledge benefits society beyond socio-economic and gender barriers. Her published research papers in reputed international journals have received significant citations, further cementing her impact in the field.
The book She Is – 75 Women in Chemistry is available online for purchase at ₹1,645.
source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Focus> Markers of Excellence / by Radiance News Bureau / February 16th, 2025
Students of Bearys Institute of Technology (BIT) have made the institution proud with their achievements at the 24th Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU) Annual Convocation held today.
Thasnim Khalid, an M.Tech CSE graduate, secured the 8th rank with a CGPA of 9.43 and received her award during the ceremony.
Ayshuthul Sajeena, another M.Tech CSE graduate, achieved the 5th rank with a CGPA of 9.53. However, she could not attend the event due to the recent passing of her father.
The BIT management, faculty, and staff have congratulated both students on their accomplishments, appreciating their hard work and dedication.
source: http://www.english.varthabharati.in / Vartha Bharati / Home> Karavali / by Vartha Bharati / February 08th, 2025
Kalakappar Village (Nagrota Tehsil), JAMMU & KASHMIR :
Heavily garlanded Nazia Bibi with her family including her grandmother, and visitors at her home
Weeks after the nomadic Gujjar-Bakerwal community of Jammu and Kashmir plunged into a state of shock as 17 tribesmen, women and children died of a mysterious disease in village Budhaal in Rajouri, a young woman has brought cheers to and restored the pride of the community.
Nazia Bibi, a 21-year-old college student has become the first athlete from J&K to win gold in the International Kho Kho championship. Nazia, who hails from village Kalakappar of tehsil Nagrota on the outskirts of Jammu city, is a member of the Indian women’s Kho Kho team which recently lifted the maiden World Cup in Delhi by trouncing Nepal in a convincing victory.
Nazia Bibi also became one of the few tribal women from J&K to reach the international level in sports.
Her achievement is more important given the fact that the Gujjar-Bakerwal community is backward and also conservative in its outlook for women.
However, Nazia today doesn’t hold any grudges against her family for asking her to stop playing because of society’s disapproval.
International Kho Kho player Nazia Bibi
“I can understand when my family asked him to stop playing since people made uncharitable comments and fun of me because I didn’t wear a conventional dress while practicing. I had my Chachu (Uncle) Master Iqbal who is a teacher to fall back upon. I would explain to him my problems in pursuing Kho Kho and he, in turn, convinced my father,” she said.
Her father Sabar Ali is an unlettered person and earns his livelihood by rearing cattle – sheep and goat. Nazia has a sister and two brothers and the family lives in a two-room house in the village.
A BA fifth-semester student of the Padma Shri Padma Sachdev Govt College for Women Gandhi Nagar, Jammu, Nazia says lifting the gold cup for India was her proudest moment and brought her struggle to a logical and happy end.
“Today, at 21, I am overwhelmed as so many people are coming to congratulate me. It’s too much for me to handle,” she says in a video interview to a local channel.
Nazia is amused to see her relatives and neighbours announcing that they would encourage their children to play sports as well.
“One person’s struggle can open opportunities for so many,” she said.
Nazia was invited by the LG Manoj Sinha to the Raj Bhawan for a meeting. The DIG of Jammu felicitated her for her achievement.
Advocate Zulkarnain Choudhary, a community activist said Nazia should be given a decent job of the rank of a gazette officer by the J&K government, as is done in other cases.
Nazia however says her struggle and achievement must bring focus on better infrastructure for sports. “We don’t have good stadiums or coaching family in Jammu. Practicing in an open field and on mats indoors are so different,” Nazia said.
Nazia Bibi with LG Manoj Sinha and officials of the Kho Kho association
As a promising athlete, she says she was encouraged by her teachers in the local school and also by the J&K Kho Kho association officials.
“I continued playing kho kho because it doesn’t require expensive tools and sports kits. However, my skill was honed in the national camps for which I was selected. Also, a team game requires you to bring sharp skills to the table.”
Nazia said she practices three hours at home and for 7-8 hours in the camps. “Joining the preparatory camp for the International Kho Kho competition was very helpful. It brings discipline in an athlete and also makes one realize of competition.”
An international gold medal in hand though Nazia wants to forget her struggle against society’s attitude. She said, “Even I felt uncomfortable with the tracksuit and uncovered hair because we, as tribal women, are conditioned to conservative dressing.”
Her father Sabar Ali says, “I am an illiterate person. I would get upset with people making jokes about my daughter’s dress and her sports. Today, the same people are coming to congratulate us and I am so happy.”
Sabar Ali and his five brothers live close by in the village and have unity. Advocate Choudhary who visited the 2-room house of Nazia told Awaz-the Voice, “They are a simple and pure united family. I don’t think they fully understand the scope of their daughter’s achievements.”
Fighting society in pursuing one’s passion is not so easy for women.
Nazia says at one stage she had decided to give up. As luck would have it Nazia was playing for India and the team won gold unmindful of the celebrations of her brother’s wedding back home.
source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Stories / by Aasha Khosa, New Delhi / February 04th, 2025
What kept you motivated? What were the reactions of your parents, friends, and teachers to your preparations?
Initially, when I was searching for an interest, my parents and relatives were pushing me towards medicine. I didn’t like Biology and I’m not interested in Medicine. From an early age, I was interested in Physics and Mathematics; I wanted to know about the subjects. I studied by myself. I used to read books other than my textbooks. Physics and Maths interested me.
