The Azim Premji Foundation on Thursday announced the Azim Premji Scholarship for up to 2.5 lakh girl students from government schools across 18 States for pursuing higher education.
A scholarship of ₹30,000 will be given annually to girl students who have passed their 10th and 12th examinations in government schools and have received admission in a bona fide higher education institution (HEI). These bona fide HEIs will include all government HEIs and selective private HEIs as well. The ₹30,000 scholarship will continue for the duration of the girl’s college/university programme, so long as the girl successfully continues in the programme.
“There is no additional criteria or eligibility for the candidates. We are not conducting any exams or checking the financial backgrounds of the students,” said Anurag Behar, the Chief Executive Officer of the Azim Premji Foundation.
He stated the reason for such a type of screening was that more than 90% of government school children come from disadvantaged backgrounds. The scholarship aims to ease some of the financial burdens of girl students pursuing a higher education, rather than focus on too many checklists or screening processes.
He also noted that while primary school admissions for girls were almost equal to those of boys, higher education admission numbers showed a lesser percentage of girls. “Tuition fees are often waived off or given at a discount for girls from disadvantaged financial backgrounds. But additional expenses like commute, clothes, books etc discourage them from pursuing their higher education,” he explained.
A pilot test of the ‘Azim Premji Scholarship’ was launched in 2024-25 across certain districts of Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Jharkhand, where over 25,000 girls were selected for the scholarship. For the academic year of 2025-26, the scholarship has officially been launched across 18 States, some of which include Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Karnataka, Telangana, Tripura, Odisha, and Mizoram.
The application process for 2025-26 will start in September 2025. Students can apply online. The scholarship program is a ₹2,250 crore commitment across three years by the foundation, and is likely to be expanded to cover the entire country in coming years.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Bengaluru / by The Hindu Bureau / May 16th, 2025
Rufaida College of Nursing, Jamia Hamdard organised its Induction Programme for M.Sc. Nursing, B.Sc. (Hons.) Nursing, Post Basic B.Sc. Nursing, and DGNM First-year students on November 24 at the Convention Centre, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi. A total of 176 students participated in the programme.
The Chief Guest for the programme was Mrs. Bholi Ahluwalia, Chairperson, Indian Spinal Injuries Centre, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi. The Guest of Honour was Dr. Achala, Assistant Director General (Nursing), DGHS, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India.
The inaugural ceremony commenced with the recitation of the Holy Qur’an by Imam Sahib of Rabia Mosque, followed by the Hamdard Tarana presented by the nursing students.
In her welcome address, Prof. Veena Sharma, Dean-cum-Principal, Rufaida College of Nursing, School of Nursing Education & Research, greeted the newly admitted students and paid homage to the university’s founder, Late Hakeem Abdul Hameed. She highlighted the college’s remarkable achievements, strong national ranking, and consistent 100% placement record. She encouraged students to make full use of academic and professional opportunities available at Jamia Hamdard.
In her address, Mrs. Ahluwalia praised the students for choosing a profession rooted in service and emphasised the vital, compassionate role nurses play in healthcare.
Dr. Achala congratulated the new batch and described the induction as the beginning of a transformative journey. She urged students to remain engaged academically and participate actively in extracurricular activities.
In his presidential address, Prof. (Dr.) M. Afshar Alam, Vice Chancellor, Jamia Hamdard, welcomed the students to the NAAC “A+” accredited university. He highlighted the rigorous curriculum and dedicated faculty at Rufaida College of Nursing, reminding students that university life fosters critical thinking, compassion, discipline, and leadership.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Ms. Jamal Fatima Hashmi, Assistant Professor, followed by the national anthem.
source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Education> Latest News / by Radiance News Bureau / November 24th, 2025
Marziya Shanu Pathan, with her supporters after winning the BMC election
In a remarkable political debut, 24-year-old Marziya Shanu Pathan, representing the NCP (Sharad Pawar faction), has emerged victorious in the BMC elections from Ward 32, Mumbra. Her win not only marks a milestone for young women in politics but also highlights the growing influence of grassroots activists in local governance.
Marziya’s victory has drawn widespread attention, particularly on social media, where she became a viral figure during the campaign, often compared to other young political personalities such as Sahar Yunus Sheikh of the AIMIM. Known for her activism and social work, Marziya has spent years working with the MSPare Foundation, focusing on women’s empowerment, civic engagement, and community development in Mumbra. Her campaign, rooted in public outreach and advocacy, resonated strongly with local voters.
Adding a historic touch to the win, Marziya’s father, Ashraf “Shanu” Pathan, also secured his seat in the same election, creating a dual-family triumph that has captured the imagination of the community. The Pathans’ success reflects a blend of youthful energy and political experience, signalling a new wave of leadership in the region.
Political analysts say Marziya’s win challenges traditional stereotypes and demonstrates that young women from minority communities can not only compete but lead in local politics. Her election is being hailed as a step forward for representation and inclusive governance in the Mumbai civic landscape.
source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home / by Ashhar Alam / January 17th, 2026
Muslim Mirror’s 100 Most Influential Muslims of 2025
New Delhi:
Muslim Mirror has released its much-anticipated annual list of the “100 Most Influential Indian Muslims of 2025,” spotlighting individuals who have made significant contributions to India’s public life across a wide spectrum of fields including politics, culture, education, business, media, religion, sports, and social service. Now in its second edition, the list aims to document influence not merely as power or popularity, but as sustained impact, leadership, and the ability to shape public discourse.
A defining feature of the 2025 edition is the growing prominence of younger achievers, signalling a visible generational shift within Indian Muslim leadership. Alongside established national figures, the list includes emerging voices who have built influence through grassroots activism, professional excellence, digital platforms, legal advocacy, education, and community engagement. Editors associated with the project said this was a deliberate attempt to recognise new centres of influence beyond traditional hierarchies.
The list reflects the diversity and plural character of Indian Muslim society, cutting across geography, ideology, profession, and language. From seasoned politicians and religious scholars to artists, entrepreneurs, academics, and social reformers, the compilation offers a broad snapshot of leadership trends at a time when issues of representation, constitutional values, and social justice remain central to national debate.
Representation Across Sectors
The 2025 list features several eminent academicians and intellectuals who have shaped higher education, policy discourse, and social research. Among them are Abul Qasim Nomani, Ameerullah Khan, Furqan Qamar, Shahid Jamil, and Ubaid-ur-Rahman, recognised for their contributions to education, public policy, and academic leadership.
In the business and entrepreneurship category, the list includes influential names such as Azad Moopan, Azim Hashim Premji, Farah Malik, Irfan Razack, M. P. Ahammed, Mecca Rafiq Ahmed, Meraj Manal, Syed Mohamed Beary, P. Mohammed Ali, Shahnaz Hussain, Tausif Ahmad Mirza, Yusuff Ali, and Ziaullah Sharif. Their inclusion underlines the growing economic footprint of Indian Muslim entrepreneurs, both domestically and globally, spanning sectors from retail and healthcare to infrastructure and consumer goods.
Community leadership remains a strong pillar of the list, with figures such as Arshad Madani, Mahmood Madani, Malik Motasim Khan, Mehmood Pracha, Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin, Navaid Hamid, Pirzada Md Abbas Siddiqui, Qasim Rasool Ilyas, Sadatullah Husaini, Umer Ahmed Ilyasi, and Yusuf Mohamed Abrahani recognised for their roles in religious guidance, legal advocacy, social mobilisation, and institutional leadership.
Culture, Media, and Public Discourse
In arts and entertainment, globally recognised names such as A. R. Rahman, Aamir Khan, Mammootty, Munawar Faruqui, and Shah Rukh Khan continue to command immense cultural influence, shaping narratives that extend well beyond cinema and music into social consciousness.
The list also acknowledges the growing importance of media and journalism in shaping opinion and challenging dominant narratives. Journalists and commentators such as Arfa Khanam, Irfan Meraj, and Seema Mustafa are recognised for their consistent engagement with issues of democracy, minority rights, and constitutional values.
Religious and Intellectual Scholarship
A significant section of the list is devoted to Islamic scholars and religious thinkers, reflecting their continued influence on moral leadership and intellectual discourse. Names such as A. P. Aboobacker Musliyar, Qasim Nomani, Prof. Akhtarul Wase, Asghar Ali Imam Mahdi Salafi, Asjad Raza Khan, Ibraheem Khaleel Al-Bukhari, Javed Jamil, Khalid Saifullah Rahmani, Khaleelur Rahman Sajjad Nomani, Qamaruzzaman Azmi, Rashid Shaz, Shakir Ali Noori, Shamail Nadvi, and Yasoob Abbas find place for their scholarly work, writings, and public engagement.
Politics and Governance
The political category features leaders cutting across party lines and regions, including Asaduddin Owaisi, Ghulam Nabi Azad, Hamid Ansari, Mehbooba Mufti, Omar Abdullah, Salman Khurshid, Najeeb Jung, Syed Naseer Hussain, Engineer Rashid, Akhtarul Iman, Iqra Hasan, Zameer Ahmed Khan, Rakibul Hasan, K. Rahman Khan, Kadir Mohideen, Mohibullah Nadvi, Md Shafi, Agha Mahadi, Asim Waqar, and Sadiq Ali Shihab Thangal. Their inclusion reflects influence exercised through electoral politics, governance, diplomacy, and legislative advocacy.
Changemakers and Social Reformers
One of the most dynamic sections of the 2025 list is that of changemakers and social reformers, featuring individuals such as Safeena Husain, Shahabuddin Yaqoob Quraishi, Syeda Hameed, Zameer Uddin Shah, Mahbubul Hoque, Sabahat S. Azim, Mehmood Pracha, Faiz Syed, and Zahir Ishaq Kazi, among others. Many of these figures have earned recognition through long-term grassroots work rather than formal authority.
International Booker Prize 2025 winner Banu Mushtaq for Heart Lamp, along with renowned poet Wasim Barelvi, has been placed in the category of Literary Figures.
In sports, iconic names Sania Mirza and Irfan Pathan continue to inspire younger generations through excellence and public engagement beyond the playing field.
Beyond Rankings
The editors emphasised that the list does not claim to be exhaustive, nor does it measure influence solely through fame, wealth, or official position. Instead, it seeks to capture real-world impact, moral authority, intellectual contribution, and the ability to shape conversations within and outside the community.
The annual list has increasingly become a reference point for understanding evolving leadership patterns among Indian Muslims. By foregrounding both established figures and rising talents, the 2025 edition reflects continuity as well as change, underscoring how Indian Muslims continue to contribute meaningfully to India’s democratic, cultural, and social field.
source: http://www.muslimmirror.com / Muslim Mirror / Home> Indian Muslim / by Muslim Mirror / January 15th, 2026
Noor Aisha has been awarded a Doctorate degree in Bio chemistry, marking a significant milestone in her academic and professional journey. The achievement has been widely welcomed by academic circles, social activists, and well-wishers who see it as a moment of pride and inspiration, particularly for young women aspiring to higher education.
According to the details, Noor Aisha is the first Muslim girl to secure a doctorate degree in Science Stream of Mysore University after several years.
Noor Aisha has remained actively engaged in academic and intellectual pursuits from an early age. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated a keen interest in learning, research. Colleagues and mentors describe her as hardworking, disciplined, and deeply committed to academic excellence.
Speaking on the occasion, her parent Mohammed Ali and Noor Jahan expressed happiness over her success, stating that the achievement is not only a personal accomplishment but also a source of motivation for many students, especially women, who face social and economic challenges in pursuing higher education. They emphasized that Noor Aisha’s journey highlights the importance of perseverance, determination, and family support in achieving academic goals.
source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Education> Latest News> Report / by Radiance News Bureau / January 12th, 2026
Academic excellence, perseverance, and family support came together at the 106th Annual Convocation of the University of Mysore, where Zikra Urooj emerged as the topper in MSc Genetics and was awarded the prestigious HA Ranganath Gold Medal for securing the highest marks in her discipline.
Zikra Urooj, a student of the Department of Studies in Genetics and Genomics, has brought pride to her family and the institution through her remarkable academic performance. Her achievement stands as a testament to the transformative power of education, particularly for students from modest backgrounds who aspire to excel in higher studies.
A Journey Rooted in Discipline and Determination
Hailing from a humble family, Zikra is the daughter of Hafiz Jameel Ahmed, a respected religious scholar who teaches the Holy Quran and leads special prayers during the month of Ramadan. Despite limited means, her father placed strong emphasis on education, ensuring that his daughter had access to quality higher learning.
Zikra’s success reflects a balanced upbringing that combined faith, discipline, and academic rigor. Her journey underscores how consistent guidance at home and a strong work ethic can help students overcome challenges and reach the highest levels of academic achievement.
Recognition at the 106th Convocation
The gold medal was presented to Zikra Urooj during the University of Mysore’s 106th Annual Convocation, a significant academic event attended by dignitaries, faculty members, students, and parents. The HA Ranganath Gold Medal is one of the university’s most sought-after honours, awarded only to students who demonstrate exceptional academic merit.
University officials praised her performance, noting that such achievements enhance the reputation of the institution and inspire future students to pursue excellence in scientific research and higher education.
Bushra Kausar Shines in Commerce Faculty
The convocation ceremony also witnessed outstanding achievements in the undergraduate segment. Bushra Kausar, hailing from Hassan, topped the Commerce faculty at the undergraduate level by securing three gold medals in BCom.
She was awarded the Shri Krishna Rajendra MMils Ltd. Mysore Gold Medal, Shrimati Padma Narayan Memorial Gold Medal, and the Principal SR Mandre Gold Medal. The awards were presented by the Governor and Chancellor of the University, Tawarchand Gehlot, in recognition of her exceptional academic performance.
Gratitude to Teachers and Parents
Bushra Kausar attributed her success to the unwavering support of her teachers and the encouragement of her parents, Mohammed Ghouse and Salma Parveen. She emphasized that constant motivation at home and academic guidance from faculty members played a crucial role in shaping her educational journey.
Inspiring Academic Excellence
The achievements of Zikra Urooj and Bushra Kausar highlight the University of Mysore’s continued commitment to nurturing talent across disciplines. Their success stories serve as an inspiration for students, particularly young women, to pursue higher education and strive for excellence despite social or economic constraints.
Three more students from the Department of Urdu secured gold medal they are; Sumaiya Begum Mysore, Nazmi from Kerala and Mufti Mokhtar Husain from Mandya.
source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Features / by Radiance News Bureau / January 08th, 2026
They cannot hear the cheers of the crowd, nor can they speak to express their excitement. But at the Raigad Global Cup Taekwondo Championship 2026, their actions spoke louder than any words.
Four students from Hyderabad’s ‘Ideal School for the Disabled’ have become the talk of the town after bagging Gold Medals and proving that physical challenges are no match for nerves of steel.
In a sport like Taekwondo, where split-second cues and coaches’ shouts are vital, these four youngsters – Muhammad Abrar (Class 7), Sd Maaz (Class 6), Ayaan (Class 7), and Sayyida Nurjahan (Class 9) – played a different game.
Since they couldn’t hear the referee or their coach, they trained themselves to read the “body language” of their opponents. By watching the eyes and the slight movement of the feet, they predicted attacks and countered with lightning speed. Their focus was so intense that even the loudest cheers in the stadium couldn’t distract them.
The Ideal School, which provides free education and medical aid to hearing-impaired and mentally challenged children, was buzzing with joy. School Secretary Naveed-ur-Rahman and IICD Chairman Dr. Mubashir Ahmed expressed immense pride in the students’ success.
“We aim to show the world that these children are second to none,” the School Secretary noted, visibly moved by the achievement. “Our mission is to find the hidden star in every child.”
Trained by their dedicated coach, Mr. Irfan, the golden quartet has now qualified for the International Championship.
“Disability is only in the body, not in the spirit,” says Coach Irfan. “These kids from Hyderabad have worked harder than anyone I know. I am confident they will make India proud on the global stage next.”
From the streets of Hyderabad to the podium in Karjat, the journey of Abrar, Maaz, Ayaan, and Nurjahan is a reminder that when you have the will to win, silence isn’t a weakness; it’s your greatest strength.
source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Latest News> Sports / by Muhammad Mujahid / January 14th, 2026
Anupama, the state’s only women’s monthly Kannada magazine run entirely by Muslim women, has completed 25 years. To mark this milestone, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah released a special silver jubilee issue, reflecting on its 25-year journey of success, in Bengaluru on Thursday.
Speaking at the event, the Chief Minister congratulated the team, saying, “There are only a handful of Muslim women in journalism. In such a scenario, it is highly commendable that the Anupama Women’s Monthly, run by women from the Muslim community and has successfully completed 25 years.”
Shahnaz M., the editor of Anupama, also spoke at the occasion. “The implementation of the ‘Guarantee’ schemes for women in the state has brought about significant changes in their lives. On behalf of the Anupama team and all women, I extend my gratitude to the government led by CM Siddaramaiah for their commitment to women’s development,” she stated.
The event was attended by Naseer Ahmed (Political Secretary to the CM), MLA Dr. Yathindra Siddaramaiah, BMTC Vice-Chairman Niket Raj Maurya, and Anupama’s sub-editors Samina Uppinangady, Sajida Momin, and Kulsum Abubakkar. Other notable attendees included S.M. Muthalib, Faisal Ismail, and Saleem Bolangadi.
source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Latest News> Report/ by Radiance News Bureau / January 10th, 2026
Tehmina Punvani (second from left) with Salman Khurshid and Manish Tewari releasing the Book
Tehmina Punvani offered a rare glimpse into her grandmother’s life. Her grandmother, Begum Qudsia Rasul, was no ordinary woman; she was the only Muslim woman in the Constituent Assembly that drafted India’s Constitution in 1949.
The occasion was the launch of Begum Qudsia Rasul’s book, 24 years after her death.
Tehmina Punvani, a lawyer, is the daughter of Begum Qudsia’s daughter.
Speaking at the book launch in Delhi, Tehmina said, “For the world, she was a fearless political figure, but for me, she was my Ammijan, gentle, grounded and unwavering in her integrity.”
Punvani recalled the period when a fatwa was issued against Rasool for entering public life. While the family felt fear, Rasul was composed.
“If my conscience is clear, no decree can frighten me,’ she would say,” Punvani recounted, drawing applause from the audience.
The book, Begum Qudsia Rasul – The Remarkable Life Of The Only Muslim Woman In the Constituent Assembly, is a relaunch of her autobiography “From Purdah to Parliament: The Memoirs of a Muslim Woman in Indian Politics” on the life and political legacy of this remarkable Muslim woman leader of India.
The Book Begum Qudsia Rasul – The Remarkable Life Of The Only Muslim Woman In the Constituent Assembly
The event brought together journalists, lawyers, and political leaders to revisit the contributions of a woman forgotten in mainstream historical narratives.
Moderated by journalist Nidhi Razdan, the panel featured Salman Khurshid, Indira Jaising, Manish Tewari, and senior lawyer Tehmina Punvani.
Begum Qudsia Rasul, born in 1909, was the only Muslim woman in India’s Constituent Assembly. A trailblazing politician, she opposed religious reservations, championed minority rights, and promoted women’s hockey.
Elected to the Rajya Sabha and Uttar Pradesh Assembly, she received the Padma Bhushan in 2000.
Besides being the only Muslim woman in the 1946 Constituent Assembly, she fought for minority equality and opposed religious reservations.
Qudsia Begum was also elected to the UP Assembly, Rajya Sabha and served as a minister.
She is credited with promoting women’s hockey, and a Hockey Cup is named after her. She was a trailblazing woman for giving up purdah. Besides her autobiography, she has authored a travelogue, Our Bapu, a book on Mahatama Gandhi and Hayat-e-Qudsi, about Bhopal’s Begums.
Tehmina said that despite her political stature, Rasul stayed close to the grassroots. “She met women daily, listened to their concerns, and worked for them without fanfare. Activism, for her, was a duty, not an identity.”
Other speakers highlighted Rasul’s exceptional resilience in an era when Muslim women faced social barriers.
Former Union Minister Salman Khurshid explained that Qudsia had won from a general seat to the United Province Assembly despite many technical hurdles. “It was an extraordinary act of courage,” he said.
Congress MP Manish Tewari underlined the democratic significance of her public life: “Her presence in the Constituent Assembly reflected India’s openness at a time of enormous political and social turbulence.”
Noted lawyer Indira Jaising praised Rasul’s moral clarity and empathetic leadership, calling her “a rare combination of conviction and humility.”
Speakers were unanimous in calling for acknowledging Begum Qudsia Rasul’s contributions and a prominent place for her in India’s political history.
Rolli Books has published this book.
source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home / by Aasha Khosa, ATV / December 11th, 2025
