Tamil Nadu: Perambalur man develops wood stoves as alternative to costly LPG

Viswakudi Village (Veppanthattai Block),Perambalur, TAMIL NADU:

With limited formal education but an interest in electronics, Rahmatullah leveraged his experience as an electrician and TV mechanic to make the modern wood stoves as a replacement to gas stoves.

Perambalur :

The high pricing of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) cylinders is forcing Perambalur residents to switch back to cooking with firewood.

But instead of traditional firewood cooking, the residents are using modern wood-burning stoves, thanks to an entrepreneur from Viswakudi village in Veppanthattai block.

Tamil Nadu: Perambalur man develops wood stoves as alternative to costly LPG
Tamil Nadu: Perambalur man develops wood stoves as alternative to costly LPG© Provided by The New Indian Express

The stoves, designed and manufactured by 57-year-old S Rahmatullah, are in high demand in the district. Three years ago, Rahmatullah recognised the need for an alternative and established a workshop on Attur Road. With limited formal education but an interest in electronics, Rahmatullah leveraged his experience as an electrician and TV mechanic to make the modern wood stoves as a replacement to gas stoves.

He develops wood-burning stoves equipped with blower technology, ensuring high efficiency, quick cooking, and minimal fuel consumption. The stove, ignited by air from the blower, caters not only to homes but also finds application in hotels in Perambalur and other districts. The price ranges from Rs 5,300 to Rs 2 lakh depending on the specifications.

“I initially made this stove for personal use and found it more efficient than traditional firewood stoves. It requires only 30 per cent of the wood used in conventional stoves. We sell three types of stoves to homes. If people buy firewood for around Rs 500, it will fuel the stove for 4-5 months,” Rahmatullah told TNIE. “The firewood should be cut into small pieces before keeping it in the stove.

The stove with controlled combustion using a blower ensures efficient cooking without a spike in electricity bills. I sell 1-2 stoves per day to hotels and 2-3 stoves to homes. In the last two and a half years I have sold over 2,100 stoves,” he added.

A Naseera Banu, a resident of Vadakkumadevi said, “There are four members in our house. We used to buy a gas cylinder once a month and the prices has been high for a few years. Unable to cope with this, we purchased the modern wood-burning stove two years ago. We have been cooking with it since. It has allowed us to cook faster, at a lower cost, and the taste is even better.”

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Tamil Nadu / by Thiruselvam , Express News Service / January 06th, 2023

Jamshedpur appoint Khalid Jamil as Head Coach

INDIA:

Jamshedpur FC announce the appointment of Khalid Jamil as the Head Coach. The experienced and highly regarded AFC Pro Licensed Coach will embark on his journey with Jamshedpur FC, starting with the Kalinga Super Cup in January, followed by the remainder of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 season.

Khalid Jamil is a distinguished figure in Indian football, both as a former player and a successful manager. He is notably the first Indian to be the permanent Head Coach of an Indian Super League (ISL) team and the only Indian coach to have guided a team to the ISL playoffs. Khalid’s illustrious career includes individual accolades of having won the I-League Best Coach Award for the 2016–17 season with Aizawl and the FPAI Indian Football awards: Coach of the Year (2020–21) with NorthEast United FC.

Jamshedpur FC CEO, Mukul Choudhari said, “I welcome Khalid Jamil, a coach with thorough experience in ISL and ILeague. We have everything to play for with the Kalinga Super Cup and half of the ISL remaining. Hence, we believe he has the understanding, experience and track record in Indian Football to build and take us forward, starting with the very next game.”

Khalid’s first engagement in the ISL was with NorthEast United where he signed as the Head of Academy in 2019-20. His breakthrough with the club came in 2020-21 when he was hired as the interim head coach for the remainder of the season and he led the Highlanders to the playoffs including a 10-game unbeaten streak. In lieu of his performances, Khalid was appointed as their head coach for the 2021-22 season, making him the first Indian permanent head coach of an ISL club. He also led Aizawl FC to the 2016–17 I-League title, making Aizawl the first club from Northeast region of India to win the national title. His heroics with Aizawl FC were noticed by the entire Indian football fraternity and his achievement took him to be the head coach at East Bengal and later Mohun Bagan.

Khalid expressed his delight on signing for Jamshedpur. He said, “I want to thank the club management to give me this opportunity and I feel very excited to join Jamshedpur FC. Our target is to bring Jamshedpur FC in a better position and for that we all must work hard to bring Jamshedpur on top.”

Khalid also had a message for the ever present and vociferous fans of Jamshedpur and Jharkhand and said, “Keep supporting Jamshedpur FC, we need your support in every match, more than ever.”

Khalid will be and taking charge of the squad immediately as the attention shifts to the Kalinga Super Cup where Jamshedpur’s first challenge is versus NorthEast United FC in Bhubaneswar on 10th January.

source: http://www.fcjamshedpur.com / FC Jamshedpur / Home> News / December 30th, 2023

Saika Ishaque’s golden year continues with India debut

Kolkata, WEST BENGAL:

The left-arm spinner, who was once dropped from the Bengal side, has used the WPL as a launchpad to make a national bow.

Saika Ishaque getting her India cap. (Photo | BCCI Women Twitter)

Chennai :

When Saika Ishaque received her India cap from captain Harmanpreet Kaur moments before the first T20I against England at Wankhede on Wednesday, the joy on her face was enough to express what it meant to her. Slightly behind her was Shreyanka Patil, the other debutant, who was cheering on with a beaming smile on her face. The two spinners who were the highlight of the inaugural Women’s Premier League were making their India debuts on the same day.

While Shreyanka’s coach Arjun Dev was watching from the stands, thousands of miles away in Kolkata, there were two people who were overjoyed by the success of Saika. Mithu Mukherjee and Shibsagar Singh. Former India cricketer Mithu had no words to express their emotions and Singh was overwhelmed by the shining moment of Saika. After all, the two of them had played a big role at a crucial point in Saika’s career when almost left the sport.

Having come up through age-group cricket at the domestic level, Saika was a household name in Bengal cricketing circles. However, a shoulder injury meant things went downhill fast and she was dropped from the state team.

That is when the left-arm spinner got in touch with Mithu who put her in contact with former India Under-19 and Bengal cricketer Singh. “It was a complete U-turn, there was a phase where nothing was going her way. She was dropped from the Bengal team and suddenly things changed. We worked on her action, wrist position a bit, but mostly it was about the lines she had to bowl for different batters and situations and not just keep bowling good length and go searching for wickets,” recalls Singh.

Saika with coach Shibsagar Singh. (Photo | Express)

Getting back on track, her confidence went up as the coach constantly made her practice against male cricketers who were playing at the state level. The instruction was to take her on, and despite being hit, Saika developed variations and adapted for different situations. While the results started to show in domestic cricket, the left-arm spinner was nowhere near the national radar. The two factors that became the turning points were the WPL and Jhulan Goswami. 

Now, having seen her from the start, Goswami, who was with the Mumbai Indians, played a hand in Saika getting a chance in the inaugural season. “She came back and was playing well, but was not getting noticed. Many people know she is a good player domestically. At the same time, she needed someone to tell. Jhulan knew her talent from the start and how smart she was. That was a massive plus otherwise you don’t know whether she would have got picked or not,” says Singh.

Once she got the chance, Saika made the most of it, taking 15 wickets in ten games, helping Mumbai Indians win the title. Such was her performance that she was the only Indian spinner in the top ten wicket-takers. Immediately, the limelight was on her and everyone was tracking her bowling. She took the confidence into the domestic season and finished as the leading wicket-taker in the senior women’s T20 Trophy — 18 wickets in nine games. Another eight wickets in five Inter-Zonal games meant she had earned her India call-up. 

“We don’t know if she would have moved up the ladder so fast if not for the WPL. It is such a platform like IPL, the entire country watches you and the platform is such that many players are from overseas and she dismissed most of them. What she achieved in that 20 days, after that her confidence has grown. That is why the tournament changed her life,” said the coach.

2023 has been a big year for Saika. For someone who once had to stop their studies because of financial constraints, it was Saika’s success in cricket that helped her family come up. Her late father introduced her to the sport, but since then she has been the breadwinner for the family, helping her mother and elder sister, for a long time now. Today, Saika is an Indian international cricketer. “It is a massive, massive thing for her family. Her father passed away, and she is the sole breadwinner, but she has always had the confidence that she will play (for India). The thing about her is she is not afraid. She never is,” says Singh who is working with Bengal U23 women’s team.

On her debut, Saika finished with 1/38 with England posting 197/6. In reply, India fell short by 38 runs. While the figures aren’t something that makes one sit up and notice, Singh feels this is just the beginning. 

“This is just the first match, so nerves might have been there. Put her in any situation, she will say ‘no worries, I will take care’. To have that confidence is something. I feel she will play long for India. All she has to do is repeat what she has practiced all these years,” the coach signed off.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Sport> Cricket / by Gomesh S , Express News Service / December 07th, 2023

Ajmal Super 40 Shines Again in NEET, 2023

ASSAM:

Mumbai: 

Being a medical doctor has always been a well cherished dream and a coveted profession, as it provides opportunity to save human lives. This public zeal towards the field of medicine gave rise to a number of academic institutions. Sensing the demand from students and parents, corporate sector also stepped in to provide courses for preparation of the NEET exam, as it proved to be a hugely profitable business for them. But this trend restricted the children of poor families from dreaming to become a doctor. However, some non-profitable institutions are rendering remarkable services to the nation by providing NEET coaching free or at a very low cost, like Ajmal Super-40 run by Ajmal Foundation.

Ajmal Foundation has been running this program for the last three years and its results have remarkably been improving by each year. The number of qualifying students of Ajmal Foundation in NEET exam last year was 245 which has this year increased up to 350.

This is indeed a huge gain for the Foundation, while a great hope for the underprivileged section of the society. Other institutions running on the same pattern are Shaheen of Bidar, Al-Ameen of Kolkata and Rahmani-30 of Patna.

The results for NEET 2023 were finally announced on June 13th this year. Just like every previous years, it was finely a nerve-wracking time for all the aspiring medical students who gave their best to crack this competitive exam. Among over 20 lakh applicants from across the country, half of the candidates could be declared as qualified but due to the seats limitations in the medical colleges, all passed candidates may not be the doctors they dreamed about.

The giant coaching institutions are busy celebrating the success of their toppers. But success of the non-profitable institutions should be celebrated and appreciated by common masses. Maulana Badruddin Ajmal, CEO Ajmal CSR and the philanthropic endeavours of Ajmal family, especially in the northeast of India, are laudable.

source: http://www.easterncrescent.net / Eastern Crescent / Home> Blog> National> North East / by Eastern Crescent Desk / December 02nd, 2023

Adeeba Ali: Shooting star’s rise from wheelchair to winning gold in nationals

NEW DELHI:

Adeeba Ali showing her gold and silver medals with her father
Adeeba Ali showing her gold and silver medals with her father

The 19-year-old Adeeba Ali of Nizamuddin Basti, New Delhi, has raised the bar for those seeking to rise in life notwithstanding physical limitations. The para-athlete recently ended up becoming an inspiration to thousands of people as she won gold and silver medals in the 26th National Shooting Championship competition organized by Madhya Pradesh State Shooting Academy, Bhopal.

Amina Majeed Siddiqui of Awaz spoke with her at her home. Excerpts from the conversation:

How did you think about going to the National Shooting Championship competition and how many days did you prepare for it?

I had always liked sports, but soon after the accident, I started finding what was best for me. After a lot of searching, I met my coaches Subhash Rana and Rohit Sir. They showed me the path to getting back into sports. They suggested I start with competing on the track and gradually aim for the zonal, and the nationals. So after gradual preparation, I qualified for the National championships. It has been 10 months since I started preparing.

How did this accident happen?

It was five years ago, I was looking out from the balcony of my house (Fourth floor). I foot slipped and I fell on the ground floor. I felt dizzy. At first, I thought I was falling backward but no, I was falling forward. Because of that my spine was fractured and due to that my legs do not work.

Have you participated in other competitions before this?

I have also participated in District Level, Zonal, para-zonal, North Zone, and Para National. This is my 5th match.

What inspired you to take up sports?

My inspiration is my father. He has always been promoting sports. He is very fond of cricket. So Papa knows the importance of playing sports. Just as education is important, sports are also important. Secondly, my ideal is Avni Lekhara (Olympian); she is the first woman who won gold medal in shooting and the Para Olympics, she is a big inspiration to me. 

How did your journey in sports start, when did you think that you should go into this field?

I wanted to be associated with sports, so I started searching. Earlier I used to participate in basketball, football, and other sports. But after the accident, everything seemed to be over for some time. I searched for a new sport that I could play with my physical limitations. I wanted to leave the accident behind because whatever happened had happened. I had to see what I could do. I came to know about Para Games which people with disabilities can also play. This gave a new meaning to me. I came to know that despite being disabled one can still play. I came to know about shooting and that yes, I realized I am made for it, then I started playing. It was not so good in the beginning. Then with time, I got better. I gained a new identity and now shooting has become an important part of my life, if I don’t practice for a day, I feel something is missing in life.

What is your plan for the future?

I intend that I want to do better every day. I want to work very hard.

What message would you like to give to those who give up on small things?

https://www.hindi.awazthevoice.in/upload/news/170255513404_Adeeba_Ali_A_great_example_of_courage_in_shooting_2.jfif
Adeeba Ali with her mother Reshma Ali

I would like to say that you should have faith in yourself, because if you give up on yourself, how will others support you? If you have this feeling within you that no matter what happens to me, you can still do this work, then you can achieve anything. The most important thing is to have faith in yourself.

I also spoke with Adiba Ali’s mother Reshma Ali. She told me:

“Adiba used to lie on the bed after the accident and had lost courage. Then one day she thought about how she could move on in life and do better. Initially, she was bedridden for one and a half years. She slowly started reconciling to her condition and began painting. Despite being bedridden, she wrote examinations for 12th standard and did well. She is now pursuing a BA in English. After that she saw what else she could do, and then she watched Avni Lekhara’s videos and said that if she can do it, I can also do it.

“She had never held a pistol in her hand. Her coach Subhash Rana worked very hard on her. Adeeba practices for 8 hours. If one wants to achieve something in life one surely has to do a lot of hard work and Adeeba did the same. She has made all of us proud. I intend to organize motivational camps for people facing disabilities. I want to tell them my daughter’s story. I want to tell people that you can do a lot despite being disabled. We will guide people on how a new life starts from here.”

source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Story / by Ameena Majid Siddiqui / December 25th, 2023

Asif Iqbal – A trailblazer in education, social change, and Urdu literature

Solapur, MAHARASHTRA :

Asif’s mantra, “My life is the purpose of everyone’s work,” resonates deeply within his rich personality. Dr. Khan aptly encapsulates Asif’s unwavering commitment to illuminating the path of education and eradicating societal darkness, echoing the sentiment that Asif’s life is dedicated to serving others.

In the landscape of educators, Asif Iqbal stands as a beacon of inspiration and dedication, reshaping the conventional norms of teaching and community engagement. While the average routine for most teachers comprises daily duties and personal engagements, Asif Iqbal, a 41-year-old teacher, exemplifies an extraordinary commitment that extends far beyond the traditional roles.

His passion for teaching goes beyond the classroom walls. Asif’s dedication spans across various domains, including social work, promotion of Urdu language and literature, active political participation, and tireless efforts toward educational empowerment. Unlike many, his primary focus lies in the upliftment of students and communities, striving to instigate positive transformations in their lives.

Embarking on his journey after completing a Diploma in Education, Asif began his career at a Zilla Parishad primary school in 2001. However, it was his departure from a secure government job in 2010 that marked a pivotal shift. At the young age of 28, he joined a renowned government-aided school in his city, ultimately rising to the position of Head Master at the SSA Urdu Primary School in Solapur.

His responsibilities extend far beyond the confines of an educational institution. As the spokesperson for the City Indian National Congress committee and President of the Lions Club Solapur (Classic), Asif actively engages in diverse social and political roles. Additionally, his affiliations with organizations like the All India Human Rights Association, Khidmate Khalq Organization of India, and various literary bodies underline his multifaceted contributions.

Asif’s devotion to education and his compassionate approach have earned him immense popularity among students and parents alike.

Maaz A. Gafoor Sagri, one of his brightest students currently preparing for NEET, hails Asif as a motivator who consistently creates platforms for students to showcase their talents. Despite the school’s substantial size of nearly 2000 students, Asif manages to establish personal connections with a vast majority, prioritizing character and behavior development.

Dr. A.A. Pagan, a PTA member of the school, lauds Asif Iqbal for his administrative prowess, capacity for work, and forward-thinking attitude. According to Dr. Pagan, Asif’s initiatives have brought about positive changes and regular personality development activities within the school.

In a conversation with Muslim Mirror, Asif reflects on the dearth of educational infrastructure in his city, especially for the substantial Muslim population. He laments the absence of universities and well-equipped campuses, emphasizing the need for investments in education over commercial endeavors like land development and construction projects.

Highlighting the broader educational landscape in Maharashtra, Asif points out the scarcity of institutions offering higher and professional education, while acknowledging the few notable ones like PA Inamdar University in Pune and Anjuman E Islam in Mumbai.

Asif’s vision extends beyond his current commitments. He expresses a strong desire to build an Asian Minority University, a dream he is diligently working towards with the acquisition of a 100-acre land. This envisioned educational hub aims to become a center for Indian Muslims, fostering educational growth and empowerment.

His influence on Urdu literature and poetry is equally significant. As a host to numerous All India Mushairas, including prestigious events like the Delhi Urdu Academy in the presence of Delhi’s Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, Asif has actively contributed to nurturing Urdu literary talents.

Despite commendations for his leadership potential in politics, Prakash Wale, a senior Congress Party leader, advocates for Asif’s continued presence in the education sector, acknowledging its need for individuals like Asif Iqbal, while cautioning about the intricate nature of politics.

Dr. Asadullah Khan, an eminent figure in the education realm, celebrates Asif Iqbal as a catalyst for educational and social transformation in Solapur. Recognizing Asif’s multifaceted abilities as an educator, poet, and orator, Dr. Khan commends his dedication to service and highlights Asif’s poetic work, “Naya Asman,” as a significant contribution to the world of literature.

Asif’s mantra, “My life is the purpose of everyone’s work,” resonates deeply within his rich personality. Dr. Khan aptly encapsulates Asif’s unwavering commitment to illuminating the path of education and eradicating societal darkness, echoing the sentiment that Asif’s life is dedicated to serving others.

This expansion not only delves deeper into Asif Iqbal’s multifaceted contributions but also elaborates on his vision, impact, and the endorsements he has received from various stakeholders within the education, social, and political spheres.

source: http://www.muslimmirror.com / Muslim Mirror / Home> Education> Positive Story / by Imran Inamdar / December 19th, 2023

Jamia Professor Dr. Tokeer Ahmad Conferred Prestigious MRSI Medal 2023

NEW DELHI:

Prof. Tokeer Ahmad at Department of Chemistry, Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) has been conferred the MRSI Medal-2023 for his outstanding contribution to Materials Science & Engineering especially Functional Materials for Sustainable Green Hydrogen Energy by the Materials Research Society of India.

Jamia Millia Islamia: 

Prof. Tokeer Ahmad of Department of Chemistry, Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) has been conferred the MRSI Medal-2023 for his outstanding contribution to Materials Science & Engineering especially Functional Materials for Sustainable Green Hydrogen Energy by the Materials Research Society of India.

The award ceremony was organised during the MRSI Annual General Meeting in the 5th Indian Materials Conclave held at IIT (BHU) Varanasi.

Prof. Ahmad was conferred the MRSI Medal, Citation and Rs. 10,000/- as award money. He has also delivered the MRSI Medal Lecture on Hydrogen Energy.

About MRSI

The Materials Research Society of India (MRSI) is a professional scientific body founded by the farsighted vision of Bharat Ratna Prof. C. N. R. Rao to promote education, research, and applications of materials among researchers in India and abroad. MRSI functions through 18 Regional Chapters and 16 Subject groups.

MRSI is supported by individual members and institutions who will be patrons of the society. MRSI is now having around 5000 life members. MRSI has been regularly publishing the MRSI Newsletter quarterly. MRSI co-sponsors the publication of Bulletin of Materials Science (BMS) published by the Indian Academy of Sciences and Springer.

MRSI is also a founding Adhering Body of the International Union of Materials Research Societies (IUMRS) and participates in the international arena of materials research.

About Prof. Tokeer Ahmad

Prof. Tokeer Ahmad graduated from IIT Roorkee and Ph.D. from IIT Delhi. Presently, he is full Professor at Department of Chemistry, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi. His research interest includes the designing of functional heterostructures for nanocatalysis, sustainable green hydrogen energy production and gas sensing applications.

Prof. Ahmad has supervised 16 PhD’s, 77 postgraduates, 10 projects, published 181 research papers, one patent and three books with research citation of 6435, h-index of 48 and i10-index of 130.

Prof. Ahmad is active reviewer of 156 journals, delivered 155 Invited/keynote/plenary talks, presented 128 conference papers and also evaluated around 55 external doctorate theses. Prof. Ahmad is also serving as an editorial board member for several journals.

Prof. Ahmad is the recipient of MRSI Medal, SMC Bronze Medal (BARC), ISCAS Medal, Inspired Teacher’s President Award, DST-DFG award, Distinguished Scientist Award, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Excellence Award of Education, Teacher’s Excellence Award and elected as Member of National Academy of Sciences India.

Prof.Ahmad has been figured in World Top 2% Scientists for consecutive four years since 2020 in both coveted lists including career long by Stanford University, USA.

Prof. Ahmad has been recently admitted as Fellow of Royal Society of Chemistry (FRSC), UK.

Offng. Vice-Chancellor of JMI Prof. Eqbal Hussain congratulated Prof. Ahmad for the achievement and extended best wishes for his future endeavors. He hoped that this would surely encourage him to bring more laurels for the institution.

source: http://www.ummid.com / Ummid.com / Home> Education & Career / by ummid.com news network / December 27th, 2023

13-year-old Armaan Mohammed Asif bags bronze at Junior National Equestrian Championship

Mangaluru, KARNATAKA:

In a remarkable feat of equestrian prowess, a young talent from Mangaluru Armaan Mohammed Asif galloped his way to victory, clinching a bronze medal at the Junior National Equestrian Championship held in Bengaluru on December 22 and 23.

He rode his horse Tara from Covai stables and clocked timing of 47.12 seconds, enabling him to win the Bronze in children 1 category.

It was national championship where a total of about 800 plus entries from all over India had reached to participate.

The Junior National Equestrian Championship is India’s biggest national equestrian championship where the top riders of the country compete with their best horses to get the top positions.

Armaan is the first rider from Mangaluru who won the national equestrian championship whose name is now etched in the annals of equestrian history, displayed a perfect blend of skill, finesse, and a deep connection with his equine partner. The duo maneuverer through challenging courses with grace and precision, earning accolades from spectators and judges alike.

The bronze medal not only symbolizes the individual triumph of the Mangalorean rider but also reflects the growing prominence of equestrian sports in India. As the sport gains traction, such achievements contribute to the broader narrative of the nation’s prowess in diverse fields of competition.

The entire community in Mangaluru is celebrating this victory, proud of their local hero who has made a mark on the national equestrian stage. This accomplishment not only brings glory to the rider but also shines a spotlight on the rich potential that exists in smaller towns and cities across India, reinforcing the belief that talent knows no geographical boundaries.

Armaan is in his 7th grade and the son of Mohammed Asif and Sajida.

Armaan received his initial training at Mangaluru Horse Riding Academy by Avinand Anchanahalli. Since two years, he is been riding and getting trained for nationals in Bengaluru under guidance of Abdul Rahman Shariff and Rajan Diwakar.

source: http://www.daijiworld.com / Daijiworld / Home> Karnataka / by Media Release / December 29th, 2023

Fiza Nazir bags gold medal at Asian MMA Championship

JAMMU & KASHMIR:

Srinagar :

Fiza Nazir, the emerging martial arts sensation hailing from Jammu and Kashmir, has etched her name in the annals of sports history by clinching the gold medal in the senior women’s -56.7 kg weight category at the Asian MMA Championship 2023 (IMMMAF) held in Bahrain.

With unwavering focus, dedication, and a relentless pursuit of her dreams, Fiza Nazir has consistently demonstrated her mettle on grand stages. Currently training at one of Asia’s premier MMA schools, Fiza’s triumph in Bahrain has propelled her to new heights in the world of martial arts.

The gold medal at the Asian MMA Championship marks a pivotal moment in Fiza’s career, and she is now setting her sights on representing India in the upcoming World Championship later this year. Her success is a testament to her resilience, skill, and commitment to excellence.

Expressing her gratitude, Fiza acknowledges the crucial support of her sponsors, TCI Cements, along with the unwavering backing from her family and coaches. Their encouragement and support played a vital role in her journey to becoming a trailblazer for Indian women in the field of mixed martial arts.

source: http://www.greaterkashmir.com / Greater Kashmir / Home> Latest News / by GK News Service / December 26th, 2023

Kashmir College Professor publishes book with Oxford University Press

JAMMU & KASHMIR:

Srinagar:

A college professor from the J&K’s Higher Education Department (JK-HED) has published a book with the Indian branch of the reputed publishing company, Oxford…

Srinagar: 

A college professor from the J&K’s Higher Education Department (JK-HED) has published a book with the Indian branch of the reputed publishing company, Oxford University Press.

The book, authored by Dr Tauseef Ahmad Parray, highlights an emerging discourse in the Islamic political thought, “Islam and Democracy in the 21 st Century”.

Dr. Parray, an Assistant Professor of Islamic Studies in the JK-HED since 2016, is presently posted at GDC Sogam, Kupwara, and hails from south Kashmir’s Tral, Pulwama.

His major areas of specialization are Islamic political thought, Islam and modernity, Islamic intellectual tradition and Quranic studies.

Spanning over 400-pages, the book offers very “useful discussions in framing the contemporary debates surrounding Islam and democracy”, by treading through “diverse theoretical Islamic texts like the Qur’an, Sunnah and other more contemporary works by eminent scholars” and analysts and activists of the Arab world, sub-continent and the Muslims scholars of the West of the last two-and-half-centuries. It consists of seven chapters and discusses democracy and democratization in the Muslim world, democratic notions in Islam, Islam-democracy discourse (from mid-19 th to 21 st centuries) in the light of both proponents and opponents. It addresses the crucial question: Is Islam compatible with democracy?

The book was announced officially by OUP on 13th September and is currently available on OUP website, Amazon and other online portals (Publisher’s Link; Amazon Link) by publishing this book, Dr Tauseef, in his late 30s, has become one of the youngest academicians of J&K to be published by OUP and thus is a feat attained by a college Professor. It is “a huge accomplishment at such a young age”, said a professor.

The book has endorsements and praise from internationally acclaimed eminent scholars and specialists of Islamic Studies and Islamic political thought from the USA (Professor Asma Afsarudin), Australia (Professor Abdullah Saeed), Qatar (Professor Louay Safi) and Bosnia (Dr. Joseph J. Kaminski).

Furthermore, it has a foreword by Dr. M. A. Muqtedar Khan (an Indian-American Professor and expert on Islam and global affairs at the University of Delaware, USA), who has described it as being “central to Islam and democracy, and any future research on the topic can and should begin with this book”.

The book is a helpful source for the students and scholars of comparative politics and islamic studies, and is equally fascinating for the readers interested in knowing the contemporary political dynamics of the Muslim world.

source: http://www.greaterkashmir.com / Greater Kashmir / Home> Education / by GK News Service / September 30th, 2023