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

CONNECTA Cultural Exhibition: Reclaiming Human Bonds in an Age of Separation

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

Kannur, KERALA :

Kannur:

On a January evening, the busy town square of Kannur changed in a big way.  Usually, the square is crowded with people rushing about their daily work. But on this day, it became a calm and welcoming space. People slowed down, reflected, and spoke with one another. They discussed daily habits, shared ideas, learned about different cultures, and understood what others believe in.

This transformation happened because the CONNECTA Cultural Exhibition was inaugurated. The event was organised by the Dialogue Centre Kerala.

A Call to Kindness and Togetherness

The inauguration was not a routine ceremony. It was a strong message inviting people to show kindness and build unity. CONNECTA reminded everyone that all human beings are connected in many ways. This message is especially important today, when people often focus more on differences than shared values.

CONNECTA highlighted common issues, lifestyles, and moral values that unite people, regardless of faith, culture, or background.

CONNECTA is built on three key ideas: Faith, Culture, and Dialogue. These elements can help heal divisions in society. The organisers carefully selected displays that encouraged visitors to reflect and engage in meaningful conversations. Alongside this, the exhibition included many cultural activities that brought people together.

Every display in CONNECTA carried a clear message: faith and culture should unite people, not separate them. The exhibition emphasised that belief systems and traditions are meant to build understanding and harmony.

We live in a world where disagreements are common and often lead to conflict. CONNECTA offers a hopeful vision. It encourages people to recognise differences, respect them, and even celebrate them. According to CONNECTA, diversity is not a weakness; it is what makes us truly human and is something to value.

Message from Ms. A. Rahmathunnissa

Ms. A. Rahmathunnissa, National Secretary of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind and Executive Member of All India Muslim Personal Law Board, addressed the gathering. She spoke about the deep importance of the exhibition’s theme and thanked everyone who worked together to make CONNECTA possible.

She began by highlighting the disturbing patterns that exist in today’s society. She noted that messages of disconnection, isolation, and separation are being heard again and again, shaping attitudes in ways that lead people to demonise one another, push others to the margins, and cut themselves off from the collective. In such a context, the call to connect people becomes not just relevant, but essential. Rebuilding bonds, restoring trust, and bringing people together is the urgent need of our time.

She pointed out that people today are growing increasingly distant from one another. In such times, exhibitions like CONNECTA are deeply needed, as they help rebuild human connections and strengthen relationships. CONNECTA, she said, reminds us to care for one another and to restore lost bonds.

CONNECTA as a Way of Life

Ms. Rahmathunnissa explained that CONNECTA represents a way of living. It encourages personal responsibility, peaceful coexistence, and moral awareness. CONNECTA serves as a guide for ethical and spiritual living, teaching people how to act with integrity and live in harmony with others.

She described CONNECTA as a path rooted in responsibility, social balance, and moral consciousness – principles that can help people lead meaningful lives.

Ms. Rahmathunnissa expanded CONNECTA as an acronym and explained its meaning as

C – Contemplate the signs of God in the universe

She encouraged people to reflect on nature, culture, and humanity. The variety we see in the world is a sign of God’s wisdom. Diversity is not accidental; it is part of the Creator’s design. Differences in creation reflect God’s intention and should be appreciated.

O – Open hearts to compassion and empathy

True faith, she said, softens the heart. It helps people feel compassion for others. Compassion allows us to see others not as strangers, but as fellow travellers sharing the same journey of life.

N – Nurture relationships with all creatures

Human beings have a duty to care for everyone, not just those close to them. Every person, animal, and living being deserves kindness and respect. Caring for the Earth and its creatures is a core human responsibility.

N – Navigate the path of balance and harmony

Extremes can damage communities. Balance creates unity. Harmony grows when justice, mercy, and wisdom work together. This balance strengthens society and brings people closer.

E – Embrace the interconnectedness of all things

No one lives in isolation. Each person’s life is linked to others. Communities thrive because of these connections, even when we are not always aware of them.

C – Cultivate gratitude and mindfulness

Gratitude keeps people aware of what truly matters. Mindfulness reminds us that our words and actions have consequences. Together, gratitude and awareness help people act responsibly and thoughtfully.

T – Transmit love, peace, and kindness

These values are not just beliefs; they must be practised. People must actively live these values and share them through their actions every day.

A – Awaken to our role as ambassadors of God on Earth.

Being ambassadors of Allah, it is our duty to consider everyone and take everyone together.

A Timely and Lasting Message

Ms. Rahamathunnisa expressed hope that CONNECTA would inspire people to practise kindness and responsibility. The exhibition encourages gratitude toward the Creator and care for one another.

CONNECTA promotes dialogue, shared values, empathy, and understanding – qualities essential for harmony in a diverse society. By encouraging connection over isolation and compassion over fear, CONNECTA calls on humanity to honour one another and the Creator who gave life to all.

[The writer is Assistant Secretary, Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, Media In-Charge Women’s Department]

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Latest News> Report / by Rabia Basri / February 06th, 2026

Feroza Begum chronicles hardships of life in her poems and stories

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Books (incl.Biographies - w.e.f.01 jan 2018 ), Women/Girls(since May26-2021), , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Jubuni Village (Rampurhat subdivision of Birbhum District), WEST BENGAL :

Feroza Begum

Firoza Begum’s language of protest against the harsh realities of rural India, gender inequality, and family adversity is a strong statement. The poet and writer in her, though, has emerged from a phase of struggle.

She was born into a respectable family in Jubuni village of Rampurhat subdivision of Birbhum district, West Bengal. Her parents, Abdul Hakim Mallick and Arestun Bibi, faced poverty, disease, and social uncertainty, due to which her childhood was difficult.

The struggle for survival of her family and relatives during the terrible smallpox epidemic influenced and triggered a humanitarian spirit in her.

In her childhood, when women’s education was neglected in rural society, she completed her schooling. She broke many social barriers. The discrimination and neglect she faced while in school ignited the spirit of rebellion in her, which, in due course, made the language of her writing sharp, protestant and sensitive.

Feroza Begum with an award

In 1974, she married Nurul Haque Mallick, a science-minded teacher. With her husband’s liberal attitude and inspiration, she managed to balance both her family life and pursuit of literature. She made sure her four daughters got educated and financially independent, self-reliant. Although her husband’s death in 2016 left a deep void in her life, she did not stop pursuing literature.

Since 1992, Firoza Begum has been regularly writing poems, songs and essays. Her writings have been published in various literary magazines of Murshidabad, Rampurhat and Kolkata, Pragati, Trinayani, Kalam, Bhabbana, Sangbad Darpan, Roddur, Arpan, etc.

Besides, she is also a regular participant in the radio and television programs and has received recognition beyond her hometown and community.

The poetry collection “Nayantara” published in 2010) and “Aparajita” published in 2014) clearly reflect the struggle of women, the adversities of life, and the human spirit.

She proofread and published the book, despite illness and limitations, and it reflected her perseverance.

 Firoza Begum has received several honours and awards in recognition of her contribution to literary endeavours.

The reception by the Bhabna O Anubhavber Dana newspaper of Rampurhat, the Rokeya Award from the Roddur newspaper, certificates from various radio stations in Kolkata and Baharampur, the Ambedkar Shilpi Ratna Award from New Barrackpore, and the recent “Best Bengali” award from the Asha Foundation are important recognitions of her literary and humanitarian activities.

The life of poet Firoza Begum is not just the autobiography of a writer, it is a courageous document of a struggling woman. Her pen still bears witness to the fact that even in the deep darkness of adversity, education, humanity and literature are capable of illuminating the path of humanity.

source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Stories / by Dev Kishore Chakraborty / February 03rd, 2026

Maharashtra Polls: Rubina Feroze Wins Mira-Bhayandar Ward Again, Defying BJP Wave

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

Mira-Bhayandar (Thane), MAHARASHTRA :

Congress leader retains Prabhag 19 seat, credits public trust, service record and cross-community support

Mira-Bhayandar, Thane :

Congress leader Rubina Feroze has returned to the Mira-Bhayandar Municipal Corporation in Thane district of Maharashtra for a second consecutive term, winning from Prabhag No. 19 and leading all four candidates of her panel to victory. Her win stands out in an election largely dominated by the BJP, which saw several smaller parties wiped out.

Rubina, who first won the ward in 2017, secured a fresh mandate from the same constituency. Prabhag 19 has a mixed population of Marathi and Gujarati speakers, with Hindus, Muslims, Christians and Jains living together. Muslims form a small minority in the ward, yet the results reflected broad support cutting across community lines.

Speaking to Urdu daily Inquilab, Feroze said repeated attempts were made to polarise Mira-Bhayandar on religious and linguistic lines. “Over the last three years, there was a clear effort to push the city towards communal tension. Even the Marathi language was dragged into politics last year,” she said.

“Many parties tried to win votes by invoking religion and identity,” she added. “But in ward number 19, that kind of politics did not work. People judged me by my work and by the stand taken by the Congress.”

Overall, the Congress improved its performance in the civic polls, winning 13 corporator seats compared to 12 in the previous election, helping the party avoid a poor showing in the city. Shiv Sena (Shinde faction), backed by state minister Pratap Sir Naik, was restricted to just two seats.

Describing her victory as a responsibility rather than a personal achievement, Rubina Feroze said, “I thank the people of my ward for trusting me again. I will work harder in the new term and address every issue faced by residents.”

During her previous term, she focused on welfare initiatives and local issues, including helping women access government schemes, organising self-defence classes, holding a job fair for unemployed youth, and conducting career guidance programmes for students. She also assisted cancer patients in securing financial aid from the Municipal Corporation.

Residents cited her accessibility as a key factor behind her re-election. “She listens to people and follows up on issues. That is why people from every community voted for her,” a local voter said.

The result is being widely seen as a signal that development-oriented politics and social harmony continue to resonate with voters, even amid a charged political climate.

source: http://www.clarionindia.net / Clarion India / Home> Editor’s Pick> India / by Team Clarion / January 23rd, 2026

Ilin Fatima Creates History as Ajmer’s First Female Muslim Chartered Accountant

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

Ajmer, RAJASTHAN :

New Delhi / Ajmer :

Ilin Fatima, a young Muslim from Ajmer, has made history by becoming the city’s first female Chartered Accountant (CA), marking a milestone for her family and the local Muslim community. Her achievement reflects a blend of strong upbringing, determination, and a steadfast commitment to education.

Fatima was welcomed with widespread enthusiasm by the Muslim Welfare and Education Committee of Ajmer in Rajasthan, where she was felicitated for her dedication and resilience. Community members gathered to celebrate, expressing pride not only in her personal success but also in what it signifies for Muslim families across Ajmer and the state.

Her father, Abdul Hameed Khan, spoke about the significance of this accomplishment with deep gratitude to Allah. “I have three daughters, and I ensured they were educated according to Shariah law,” he said. “My daughters have succeeded in both religious and worldly knowledge. I urge every parent to prioritise education for their children. Even if you have to eat half a loaf of bread, make sure your children receive quality education.”

He referred to a Hadith (sayings of Prophet Muhammad) and emphasised the value of knowledge: “Acquire knowledge even if one has to go to China. Education is essential, and people often overlook its importance. My daughter’s success is a reminder of the power and necessity of learning.”

The community’s response has been overwhelming. Leaders and members of various organisations, including Syed Rab Nawaz Jafri, UD Khan, Dr Syed Mansoor Ali, Haji Nafees Ahmed, Advocate Manzoor Ali, Hasan Mohammad, Akram Siddiqui, Farid Hussain, and Aqeel Ahmed of the Ajmer Muslim Welfare and Education Committee have all praised Fatima’s dedication and accomplishment.

A committee spokesperson remarked, “Ilin Fatima’s achievement serves as an inspiration not only to her family but to the entire city. Her commitment to education demonstrates that the progress of daughters is vital for the development of society. When girls are educated, communities prosper, and real success is achieved.”

Ilin Fatima’s historic success is likely to encourage more Muslim families to prioritise education for their daughters, breaking barriers and inspiring future generations. Her journey is a testament to perseverance, faith, and the unwavering support of a family that values both religious and worldly knowledge.

“Her hard work shows that with determination, guidance, and faith, anything is possible,” the committee official added. “She has set an example for all young Muslim girls in Ajmer and beyond.”

As Ilin Fatima steps into her professional career, her story stands as a beacon of hope and a reminder of the transformative power of education within the Muslim community in India.

source: http://www.clarionindia.net / Clarion India / Home> Editor’s Pick> India> Indian Muslim / by Mohammad Bin Ismail / November 10th, 2025

Meet Lubna Qazi Who Takes Oath as Administrative Law Judge in New Jersey

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

KUWAIT / Raigarh District (MAHARASHTRA) / New Jersey (U.S.A) :

Kokan’s daughter Lubna Qazi Chaudhry took the oath as Administrative Law Judge in New Jersey with her hand placed on The Holy Quran, pledging to uphold constitutional responsibilities.

Mumbai: 

Lubna Qazi, a lawyer originally from Maharashtra’s Raigad district, has created history by taking oath as an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) in the US state of New Jersey, becoming the first Muslim woman to be appointed to this position in the state. The appointment is being widely regarded as a significant milestone for minority representation in the American judiciary.

The oath-taking ceremony was held recently, where Associate Justice Rachel Wainer Apter of the New Jersey Supreme Court administered the oath. On the occasion, Lubna Qazi placed her hand on the Holy Quran and pledged to faithfully discharge her constitutional duties.

The position of Administrative Law Judge holds considerable importance within the American judicial system. ALJs preside over cases involving decisions of government agencies, administrative disputes and public grievances, delivering rulings based on established legal principles.

Lubna Qazi’s Life Journey

Lubna Qazi’s life journey spans multiple countries and cultures. She was born in Kuwait, where she spent her early childhood with her parents. In 1990, during a school vacation, she travelled to the United States. However, following the outbreak of the Gulf War, the family decided to settle there permanently.

Lubna later pursued her education in California, completed her graduation from the University of California, and earned her law degree from Western State University College of Law.

After marrying Ahsan Chaudhry in 2005, Lubna moved to New Jersey, where she served in various government legal positions for nearly two decades. Recognising her extensive legal experience and professional competence, the Governor of New Jersey nominated her for the post of Administrative Law Judge in 2025.

Lubna Qazi is also distinguished for her linguistic abilities. In addition to English, she is fluent in Urdu, Hindi and Konkani, and has working knowledge of Arabic. Committed to preserving cultural and linguistic heritage, she is personally teaching Urdu and Arabic to her two children at home.

Family Feels Honoured

Expressing his pride, Lubna’s father Inayatullah Qazi said that the entire family feels honoured by her achievement. He described the appointment not merely as a position, but the result of years of hard work, sacrifice and prayers.

Speaking to the correspondent, Inayatullah Qazi said that his family hails from Tala taluka of Raigad district in the Konkan region. He completed his education up to Class VI at Jamia Millia Islamia School, Delhi, and his high school education at Anjuman Islam, Mumbai.

After obtaining a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Government College of Engineering, Aurangabad, in 1975, he moved to Kuwait for employment, beginning his career with an air-conditioning company. After working there for fifteen years, he migrated to the United States with a single suitcase following Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait after the Gulf War, as his children were already in the US at the time. He later ensured higher education for all four of his children.

Inayatullah Qazi said that the family’s roots are deeply embedded in Islamic tradition and that Urdu is spoken with pride at home. He added that Lubna completed recitation of the Holy Quran at the age of seven.

He further shared that around five to six generations ago, their ancestors were sent to the Konkan region as Qazis (judicial authorities) to administer justice without discrimination based on religion, caste or race. Although the profession discontinued a few generations ago, he expressed happiness that his daughter has now proudly revived the family’s judicial legacy.

Lubna Qazi is also the granddaughter of Dr Rehana Ahmed, a noted educationist and Executive Chairperson of the Girls’ Board of Anjuman Islam, Mumbai. Dr Ahmed expressed joy over Lubna’s achievement, stating that it serves as a shining example for young women across the community and will inspire girls to pursue higher education and professional careers. She is widely recognised for her dedicated efforts toward the promotion of girls’ education, particularly within the Muslim community.

Meanwhile, several social and legal organisations, including the Asian Pacific American Lawyers Association of New Jersey, have congratulated Lubna Qazi on her appointment. Observers believe that this development marks a significant step forward in strengthening Muslim and minority representation within the American judicial system.

source: http://www.ummid.com / Ummid.com / Home> United States / by Mohiyuddin Altamash / January 30th, 2026

Women-Exclusive Exhibition-cum-Sale in Shivamogga Empowers Women Entrepreneurs

Arts & Crafts / CraftsPersons (wef. January 14th, 2025), Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy, Community Involvement / Social Issues, Karnataka (under research project), Leaders, Uncategorized, Women/Girls(since May26-2021), , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Shivamogga, KARNATAKA :

A one-day Exhibition-cum-Sale was organised by the Women’s Wing of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, Shivamogga District. The exhibition was inaugurated by the State Secretary of the Women’s Wing, Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, Mohtarma Taskeela Khanum.

The objective of such programmes is to economically strengthen and empower women. In the context of rising inflation, unemployment, and poverty, it was emphasised that addressing these challenges is a shared responsibility, and that women must play an effective role alongside men in the nation’s economic development.

The organisers highlighted that such exhibitions provide women with practical business experience, opportunities to interact with people from diverse backgrounds, and support in developing entrepreneurial ideas. These platforms also enable women to engage in halal business practices within the limits of Shari’ah, while facilitating growth through networking and referrals.

Islam permits women to engage in business, including running enterprises from their homes, as reflected in Islamic history through the example of Khadijah bint Khuwaylid رضی الله عنها, a successful businesswoman. Islam also encourages honest and ethical business practices for both men and women.

Nearly 100 women from across the district set up stalls showcasing clothing, handbags, fancy items, abayas, home-made products, and more. A food court offering a wide variety of food items was another major attraction. Members, associates of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, and women entrepreneurs from different parts of the district actively participated in the exhibition.

The women-exclusive exhibition attracted around 3000 women visitors, who actively shopped at the stalls. The event was described as highly encouraging, as it highlighted the talents, skills, and entrepreneurial potential of women.

Such exhibitions form part of the organisational plan of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind to promote women’s empowerment. Efforts will be made to strengthen the women entrepreneurs’ network.

Feedback received from participants reflected a high level of satisfaction, with many expressing a desire for similar programmes to be organised regularly. Participants particularly appreciated that the exhibition was organised by women, for women, and exclusively for women, creating a comfortable environment that enabled them to conduct business with confidence.

The organisers were widely appreciated, and participants expressed eagerness to remain connected and take part in future programmes. The total sales from all stalls amounted to approximately ₹3 lakh during the one-day exhibition.

The programme concluded on a positive note, reinforcing the importance of such initiatives in promoting women’s economic empowerment and community development.

[The writer of this report is Member Mashavrati Board Karnataka, and District Organiser of JIH Women’s Wing Shimoga]

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Entrepreneurship> Focus / by Naseema Begum / February 01st, 2026

AIMIM Backs Sahar Sheikh, Alleges Selective Action Over ‘Green Mumbra’ Row

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

Mumbra, MAHARASHTRA :

Mumbai:

The All India Majlis e Ittehadul Muslimeen has defended newly elected Mumbra corporator Sahar Sheikh amid controversy over remarks described by critics as communal. Party leaders said her words targeted no community and called the backlash an example of selective scrutiny faced by Muslim representatives.

At a press conference, AIMIM state president and former MP Imtiaz Jalil said Sahar Sheikh made no remark against Hindus and issued no call for removal of any group from Mumbra. He said pressure continues for police action despite absence of any offensive content. He said the party stands with its corporator and treats her position as the party position.

The controversy followed remarks made after her election from Panel No. 30 B in Mumbra. AIMIM leaders said sections presented the remarks out of context to create a national level dispute soon after a Muslim woman secured an electoral win.

Jalil said the party will challenge the police notice served on Sahar Sheikh. He said the matter will reach the Supreme Court if required. He also questioned demands for an apology raised by BJP leader Kirit Somaiya. Jalil asked under which authority such demands were made while similar or harsher remarks by ruling party figures drew no response.

He referred to public statements by leaders speaking about entering mosques or issuing threats against Muslims. He asked why police action failed to follow in such cases. He said swift notices appear when Muslim women speak, while silence follows other instances.

Jalil pointed to the presence of Mayur Sarang, a Hindu supporter, at the press conference alongside AIMIM’s five elected corporators from Mumbra. He said such presence reflected the inclusive nature of the party stand.

Sahar Sheikh sat with party leaders and maintained her statement. AIMIM said it will pursue legal remedies and urged calm, asking authorities to address the issue within constitutional limits.

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Latest News> Report / by Radiance News Bureau / January 29th, 2026

Tania Parveen’s journey from village transformer to special invitee to R-Day Parade

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

Siswa Purvi Panchayat (East Champaran District), BIHAR :

Tania Parveen, Sarpanch of Siswa Purvi Panchayat in Bihar

Tania Parveen, head of the Siswa Purvi Panchayat in East Champaran district of Bihar, will be seated among the special invitees of the President of India to witness the ceremonial Republic Day Parade in Delhi on Monday.

Tania, an engineering graduate, is among the guests of honour at the 77th Republic Day Parade due to her work in transforming her village through her vision and work as an elected head of the Panchayat.

Today, the Siswa Purvi Panchayat is a model for the rest of the country and a living proof that villages too can have amenities enjoyed by people in cities.

Tania Parveen left her government job to take up the leadership of her village. She contested the Panchayat election with a clear idea that this position could help her in changing the poor living conditions of her village.

Her trigger for giving up a well-paying and stable government job was the air pollution caused by sugar mills. Taniya has been the head of the village Panchayat since 2016.

Panchatay Office of Siswa Purvi, Bihar 

The Panchayat has about 48 per cent of the Muslim population. She recalls that earlier, girls in the village showed little interest in education. Today, the situation has changed, with girls eagerly preparing to go to school.

When Taniya took charge, she had a lot of problems to tackle. Child labour, the trend of early marriages and the violence against women were immediate issues demanding her attention.

During the COVID period, she had to dispel rumours and misconceptions about the disease and its treatment. People were afraid of taking vaccines and tried to avoid quarantine. Through her strong leadership, Tania Parveen created awareness, and gradually, villagers began following the protocols.

The invite to Taniya is under the Central Government’s Panchayat Empowerment Scheme, which honours the outstanding panchayat representatives from across the country.

Tania Parveen became Mukhiya at the age of just 32 and, within the last three years, has transformed Siswa Purvi from a backward area into a model gram panchayat. Even former sarpanch Faizal Rahman, 50, openly praises her work and leadership.

Girls attending school in Siswa Purvi village

Her focus is on health, employment, education and empowerment of women in the panchayat.

Her efforts showed significant improvements in the health sector. Regular health check-ups are conducted for the elderly, pregnant women, and girls. ASHA workers go door to door to fulfil their responsibilities. Women are encouraged to join schemes such as MGNREGA, PM Vishwakarma Yojana, and Jeevika to make them earn.

Tania introduced smart classes and computers in schools, and paid attention to high dropouts among girls. After the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao campaign, girls developed a strong interest in education. With the installation of streetlights, women feel safer even at night.

Tania Parveen says that when she became Mukhiya in 2016, the condition of the panchayat was poor. Roads had potholes, drains were clogged, and sanitation systems were weak.

Today, Siswa has better roads, organised drainage, proper water disposal, and improved cleanliness.

She injected transparency in the spending and ended a culture of bribery and commissions in public works. She says her vision was to bring the basic amenities in her village to the level of a city.

An RTPS counter has now been set up at the Siswa Panchayat Sarkar Bhavan, where birth certificates, death certificates, pensions, residence certificates, caste and income documents are issued. Every day, 20 to 35 people come to get their work done without needing to visit the block office. Led by Tania, all employees attend regularly.

Tania Parveen is now working towards setting up a women-friendly panchayat. She believes that women will become strong only when they have self-employment opportunities. She has plans for conducting tailoring, computer training, and martial arts classes to make women and girls self-reliant and confident.

Asking her peers across the country to adopt honesty as the best policy, Tania says, when a panchayat changes, society will change. Then cities will change, and eventually, Bihar will change. Panchayat development, she says, is true national development.

She also notes that women’s participation has increased significantly in social security schemes such as pension schemes, ration schemes, housing schemes, and the “toilet in every home” initiative.

The construction of the Panchayat Sarkar Bhavan has also been completed in her village.

Tania Parveen is not ready to sit on her laurels. She is working towards creating newer employment opportunities, strengthening women’s education, and digitising the panchayat system. “If panchayats are to be made dignified and strong, it is essential to provide women with equal opportunities and full respect,” she says.

source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Stories / by Mansooruddin Faridi, New Delhi / January 25th, 2026

Award-winning writer Tasneem Khan’s stories are harbingers of change

Books (incl.Biographies - w.e.f.01 jan 2018 ), Women/Girls(since May26-2021), , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Didwana Tehsil (Nagaur District), RAJASTHAN :

Tanseem Khan, Writer-Journalist

Coming from a small town and making a mark on the national scene, writer-journalist Tasneem Khan brings women’s concerns to the forefront through her journalism and literature. Her narratives are sensitive, clear, and attempt to offer solutions. Her writing and television programmes do more than narrate women’s struggles; they challenge social mindsets and inspire change.

Here are excerpts from an exclusive conversation with her:

Let’s begin with Bwalistan. What is it about?

Bwalistan is a collection of stories rooted in Rajasthan, particularly its desert life. These stories belong to a distinct literary tradition that deeply portrays the complexities and struggles of life in the Thar Desert. Rajasthan’s desert is not just a physical landscape—it is defined by its people, culture, traditions, and way of life, all of which give it a unique identity.

Coming from a small town, it isn’t easy to make a mark in journalism and literature. How did your journey begin?

A: It’s true that paths have never been easy for women. I come from Didwana tehsil in Rajasthan’s Nagaur district. Though I grew up in a small town, my parents were educated, and our home had a culture of reading and learning. My mother’s love for books shaped me deeply. Growing up among books sharpened my ability to think, debate, and reason. I also won several awards during my school and college years.

When did you choose journalism as a career?

I formally entered journalism in 2005. From the very beginning, I was drawn to women-centric issues. I consistently wrote on gender sensitivity, domestic violence, and women’s social rights. For me, journalism is not just about reporting news; it is about engaging in dialogue with society.

Your television programmes gained special recognition. Could you tell us about them?

A: I hosted a programme called Samar Shesh Hai, which discussed women’s social and political concerns. Later, my regular show on Patrika TV, Aadhi Duniya, Poori Baat – with Tasneem Khan, became quite popular. The aim was to present women not merely as victims, but as thinking, reasoning individuals.

For which report did you recently receive the Ladli Media Award?

I received the award for my show “When Will Domestic Violence Go into Lockdown?”, presented by Population First and UNFPA. The jury felt the report exposed a harsh truththat during lockdown, women faced another terrifying pandemic inside their homes: domestic violence.

Your writing focuses less on complaints and more on solutions. How did this approach develop?

I don’t want to merely describe women’s pain. I believe writing should point toward solutions. If even one woman finds a way forward through my work, I would consider my life meaningful.

You began novel writing in 2015. How special is Mere Rehnuma to you?

A: Mere Rehnuma is extremely close to my heart. Published by the Jnanpith Trust, it was selected in a young writers’ competition. I became the second woman writer from Rajasthan whose debut novel was published by Jnanpith. Through this novel, I tried to establish that women’s empowerment cannot come through financial independence alone without a change in social mindset, empowerment remains incomplete.

Research has been conducted on this novel. How did that feel?

A: It was a matter of great pride that Mere Rehnuma became the subject of PhD and MPhil research. It reaffirmed my belief that my writing has connected at both academic and social levels.

Could you tell us about your other works and awards?

A: My short story collection Dastaan-e-Hazrat Mahal was published in 2019 and earned me the Chandrabai Award. In 2021, I received the Shakuntalam Award from the Rajasthan Progressive Writers’ Association. My stories have been translated into several languages. Rukh-e-Gulzar was translated by the Indian Translation Council, while The Blue of Silence was published in a Pakistani Urdu magazine and won the Mirror Award. My story My Share of Moonlight will soon appear in a collection by Oxford University Press.

What is your writing process like?

I observe people around me very closely their characters, pain, and struggles shake me from within. Until that restlessness finds words, I find no peace. That unrest gives birth to my stories.

What role did your parents play in your life?

My parents have been my greatest support. At difficult turns, they always encouraged me. I firmly believe parents’ education plays a decisive role in shaping a child’s future. I have seen many girls unable to move ahead simply because their parents did not value education.

The heroine of Mere Rehnuma is in search of liberation. How do you view this liberation?

A: For me, liberation is not just personal; it is social. Until society learns to accept strong women, their freedom will remain incomplete. If my writing can guide even one woman in this direction, that will be my greatest achievement.

You recently interacted with readers during the ‘Chaturang #LockdownLive’ session on Facebook. How was that experience?

The Rajasthan Forum organised the session. I spoke openly about my education, career, and literary journey. I emphasised that becoming a writer requires years of preparation, deep reading, and psychological analysis of society. I also read excerpts from my novel Ai Mere Rehnuma. The interaction was deeply personal and immensely inspiring for me.

Tasneem Khan’s journey shows how words, when driven by empathy and purpose, can challenge patriarchy, reshape thought, and quietly spark a revolution, one story at a time.

source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Stories / by Onika Maheshwari, New Delhi / January 19th, 2026

Kerala: CPI(M) MLA Kanathil Jameela dies at 59 after cancer battle

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

Kuttiyadi (Kozhikode District), KERALA:

Kanathil Jameela, CPI(M) leader and sitting MLA of Koyilandy, passed away late on Saturday at a private hospital in Kozhikode. She was 59.

Jameela, who had been undergoing treatment for cancer, was admitted to the intensive care unit earlier this week. Hospital authorities confirmed that she died around 11.30 pm.

An MLA, former district panchayat president, and one of the most prominent women leaders of the CPI(M) in Kozhikode, Jameela had a long public life that spanned local governance, women’s mobilisation, and welfare work.

During her administrative tenure, she oversaw several notable programmes, including Snehasparsham for kidney patients, a cancer screening drive for women, the KARUNA initiative for humane stray-dog management, a mission to end landlessness, and schemes promoting sports and education.

Jameela had been a district committee member of the CPI(M). She was also the State vice-president of the All-India Democratic Women’s Association.

The CPI(M) state leadership condoled her death, calling it an “irreparable loss.”

Jameela made active interventions in issues concerning the people, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said. As a leader of the All India Democratic Women’s Association, she was keen to bring to the fore issues concerning women. She garnered respect for her simplicity and friendship across party lines, Vijayan said.

Leaders across parties also issued statements remembering her as an accessible and grounded representative of the coastal constituency.

According to party sources, Jameela’s body will be taken to her residence today. Public homage will be held at the CPI(M) district committee office in Kozhikode and later at the Koyilandy Town Hall.

source: http://www.maktoobmedia.com / Maktoob Media / Home> India / by Maktoob Staff / November 30th, 2025