Mubarez-ud-Daulah’s era: Of passion, rebellion and conspiracy

Community Involvement / Social Issues, Leaders, World Opinion, , , , , , ,

Hyderabad, TELANGANA (formerly ANDHRA PRADESH ) :

A view of Golconda Fort in Hyderabad Photo: G Ramakrishna
A view of Golconda Fort in Hyderabad Photo: G Ramakrishna

The Wahabi Conspiracy of prince Mubarez-ud-Daulah is a forgotten chapter in Hyderabad history

While the attack of Turrebaz Khan on the British Residency in Hyderabad during the 1857 Revolt is well documented in the pages of Hyderabad’s history, a similar bold revolt planned to overthrow the British by Prince Mubarez-ud-Daulah, the younger brother of the Nizam, though foiled in the last moment, is hardly remembered.

The Wahabi conspiracy in Hyderabad was a serious secret movement aimed against the English around 1838. Prince Mubarez-ud-Daulah had the support of Rasool Khan, the Nawab of Kurnool, who like Mubarez also hated the presence of the British. But as ill-luck would have it, before they could strike, the British were able to unearth the conspiracy through their intelligence agencies and the entire plans, went awry. Mubarez was imprisoned till death and Rasool Khan was captured, exiled and his territory, confiscated. However, the well-planned attempt they made served as an inspiration at a time when the very idea to oppose the British authority was in a nascent stage in these parts of the country.

Wahabi Movement was a 17th century reform movement that began in Persia with a view to see the basic tenets of Islam were followed strictly and with sincerity. The movement was started by one Wahab in the 18th century and therefore it was named after him. Wahabi movement was popularised in India by the Islamic religious leader, Shahwaliullah. Wahabis opposed the British presence in India and their slogan was: “Jan ko denge- vathan ko bachayenge” (Let us sacrifice our lives; but safeguard our motherland”).

Role of Mubarez-ud-Doulah

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Mubarez–ud–Doulah, the Hyderabadi prince was one of the first in south India to come under the influence of the Wahabi movement. Mubarez, born in 1800, was the second son of Sikander Jah, the Nizam of Hyderabad (1803-1829). As Mubarez had greater access to wealth and also had a private army of more than a lakh, he could devote all his time and resources for the Wahabi movement in Deccan.

From his childhood, Mubarez disliked the presence of the British in Hyderabad. As a result he was imprisoned for nearly five years from 1815 by his father, Sikander Jah at the behest of the British. Mubarez was incarcerated once again, this time during the period of his brother, Nasir-ud-Doulah (1829-57). In 1830, Mubarez collected a large army of Arabs and Afghans and started an insurrection against the British. Then a contingent of British troops under Col. Stewart marched against Mubarez and arrested him. The prince was sent to the fort of Golconda and imprisoned for several months in 1830.

The hatred of Mubarez-ud-Daulah towards the British, even as an young boy was such that once his father Sikandar Jah wanted a British sentry to be posted as a guard at his palace. But the young Prince replied that he would prefer to die rather than to see a British guard at his palace gate.

Alliance with Nawab of Kurnool

Rasool Khan the Nawab of Kurnool too was attracted towards the Wahabi movement. When Mubarez came to know of Rasool Khan’s opposition to the British, he sent his men to strike a secret alliance with the Nawab of Kurnool. Rasool Khan agreed to establish a secret arsenal to manufacture arms and ammunition that was needed for any concerted insurrection which they contemplated. Mubarez, on his part assured monetary help for the manufacture of such arms. Rasool Khan, being of the same age as Mubariz was drawn close to the Hyderabad Prince as both hated the presence of the British power.

The activities of the Wahabis greatly increased by 1838 when it was widely believed that the Russian troops were advancing from Central Asia towards India. It was the plan of the Wahabis that Mubarez will take command of the combined armies at Kurnool and overthrow the British through insurrection. Wahabis also believed that the Shah of Persia would appoint Mubarez-ud-Doulah as the Subedar of the Deccan after driving away the British and deposing the Nizam, Nasir-ud-Doulah.

Gen. Fraser, the then British Resident at Hyderabad, as soon as he came to know of the suspected involvement of Mubarez–ud-Doulah, ordered a strict watch on him. Mubarez started sending his emissaries to several places like Lahore, Sindh, Gwalior, Bombay, Kurnool, Madras, Sholapur etc. Fraser spoke to the Nizam, Nasir-ud-Doulah and convinced him of the conspiracy being attempted by his brother against both the British as well as the government of the Nizam. Mubarez-ud-Doulah was taken into custody and put under guard in the fort of Golconda. All his close associates who were involved in the spread of Wahabi movement, numbering 46 were captured and imprisoned.

Judicial Enquiry Commission

The Resident, instituted a Commission of Enquiry consisting of 6 members; three were nominated by the Resident and the other three were the nominees of the Nizam’s administration. The Commission finally found that Mubarez was engaged in a conspiracy with the Nawab of Kurnool and several others with a view to overthrow the Nizam and declare himself as the ruler and also to bring an insurrection against the British.

Network of spies

The Enquiry Commission became central in unearthing the contemplated insurrection of the Nawab of Kurnool. There was a letter written by Mubarez to the Nawab of Kurnool that was intercepted by the British agents. Mubarez in that letter had spelled out his plans for the final assault on the British requesting the Nawab to dispatch the needed arms for such an attack. If only that letter has reached the Nawab, and had he acted, the Enquiry Commission felt, “the results would have been very disastrous”. The letter was concealed in an amulet and was to be delivered to the Nawab of Kurnool. But on the way to Kurnool, fearing the capture by the British, Muhammad Khan the spy, tied the amulet to the hand of an old beggar woman living in a sarai, where he himself took shelter in the guise of a traveller. The amulet was recovered by the guards while combing the area and thus the entire conspiracy came to light. The letter thus brought to light the role of the Nawab of Kurnool, in the conspiracy against the English.

The British at Madras, immediately sent a large military contingent to deal with Kurnool. The Nawab’s armies were defeated in October, 1839 and the Nawab was deported to Tiruchirapalle (formerly Trichinopoly in English), where he was imprisoned and Kurnool was taken over by the Company administration. Rasool Khan was murdered by one of his own servants in the prison.

The Enquiry Commission also felt that Mubarez, apart from being a hand in glove with the Nawab of Kurnool, also tried to spread sedition among the Muslim sepoys stationed in Secunderabad. As a result, Mubarez had to spend the rest of his life as a prisoner in the Golconda fort till he died on June 25, 1854.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Society>History & Culture> Living Hyderabad / by K S S Seshan / June 10th, 2017

‘All thanks to my mother’

Education,

Kalaburagi ,  KARNATAKA :

Sheikh Tanveer Asif bagged 25th rank in the civil services exams

The hard work, discipline and sacrifices that are necessary to become a member of the Union Civil Services is best exemplified by the family of Sheikh Tanveer Asif. The 24-year-old from Kalaburagi district in northern Karnataka cracked the exam in his second attempt and bagged the 25th rank.

Asif is the son of a retired police officer. After completing a course in engineering from M.S. Ramaiah Institute of Technology, he went to New Delhi to prepare for the civil services exams. During the two years he was there, his family had to manage on his father’s monthly pension of ₹14,000.

“I attribute all my success to my mother. Without completing formal education, she manages to write in two languages and speak many more. Every time I needed some money, she would mortgage her belongings to ensure that my preparations were not disturbed,” he says.

Another candidate, Naveen Y. Bhat from Mangaluru, decided to get into civil services in the final year of graduation. The graduate from Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute bagged the 37th rank. “As a doctor, I could cure patients but have a limited impact. I wanted to cure the problems of society and have a wider impact. That is why I opted for the civil services,” he says.

Movie fan

Dhyanachandra H.M., who bagged the 47th rank, watched one movie a week. Keeping abreast of current affairs by reading The Hindu every day helped the 24-year old sail through the tough UPSC exams. His father, S.L. Haleshappa, works as an assistant engineer in the Karnataka Housing Board while mother Mamata is a home-maker. He started preparing for the exams in May 2014 after completing a course in civil engineering from MIT-Manipal. “This was my second attempt. In my first attempt last year, I could not clear the prelims. But I did not lose hope,” he explained. He took Kannada as an optional paper.

“I read NCERT books and The Hindu daily. I knew when and how to study, so I could watch movies too,” he explained. His father motivated him to take up civil services. “I have given posting options as Karnataka, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh,” he said. The family is from Davanagere. Dhyanachandra says he knows the plight of farmers first-hand. “I would like to help them. I also hope to be a role model for my brother Poornachandra who has cleared his 10th standard,” he said.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Bengaluru / by Staff Reporter / May 31st, 2017

My achievement will inspire Valley’s youth: Kashmiri who got 10th UPSC rank

Amazing Feats, Education, , ,

Handwara (KASHMIR) , JAMMU & KASHMIR :

Bilal Mohiuddin Bhat from remote border district of Handwara in North Kashmir had appeared for the UPSC examination four times.

Bilal Mohi Ud Din Bhat, ranked tenth in the Union Public Service Commission’s civil services examination for 2016, had his heart set on the prestigious administrative services since childhood.(Handout)
Bilal Mohi Ud Din Bhat, ranked tenth in the Union Public Service Commission’s civil services examination for 2016, had his heart set on the prestigious administrative services since childhood.(Handout)

Jammu and Kashmir’s Bilal Mohi Ud Din Bhat, ranked tenth in the Union Public Service Commission’s (UPSC) civil services examination for 2016, had his heart set on the prestigious administrative services since childhood. “If you are determined to push the limits, nothing is impossible,” he says. His achievement, Bhat feels, “will mean a lot to the people of the Valley and inspire the youth to make a career in the civil services.”

Someone who believes “everything is well within your reach if you are determined to get it,” Bhat is a 2013 batch Indian Forest Service (IFS) officer who has been posted as deputy conservator of forests in Lucknow since 2015. This was his fourth civil services attempt and topping it is a “dream come true,” says Bhat, delighted at this “good opportunity to serve the country.”

Last year Jammu and Kashmir’s Athar Aamir ul Shafi Khan was ranked second in the 2015 national civil services exam.

Bhat said he could not believe he had made it to the top 10 ranks when the results were announced, “but was glad” with the ranking in the “country’s toughest exam”. The news had taken a few minutes to sink in, he said.

On what his achievement meant, Bhat’s response was that it meant a lot not only to him but to the people of the Valley. “I’m sure our achievements will inspire the youth of the Valley to make a career in civil services and work for the country’s progress.” He felt he was now “responsible for working for people and among people. I want to become a good officer who has the ability to identify and anticipate the problems of the people and to solve them.”

Talking about his home in the remote border district of Handwara in north Kashmir, Bhat says it is a place of peace and solace. “My dada and dadi (grandparents) live there. I often go to visit my village to take their blessings and those of other relatives. The scent of the old house reminds me of techniques of construction which were suitable for us.”

He said the village women struggle for amenities of life, “it’s tough for them.”

When asked about the unrest in J-K, his response was,”let’s not make it political.”

After passing Class 12 in J-K, Bhat did a five-year veterinary course from Jammu and worked as an administrative officer in the J-K Administrative Services between 2011-13 as a commercial tax officer. With his heart set on becoming an IAS officer, however, he started studying in earnest for the civil services examination and in 2013 became an IFS (forest service) officer.

He comes from a family of achievers. His father, GM Bhat, retired as an administrative officer in the J-K government. “We are four brothers and a sister who is eldest among all and is a teacher. My elder brother is a joint director in science and technology in J-K, another brother is a cardiologist posted in Boston, USA. His third brother is a consultant in the medicine department, also in J-K.

On his future plans, this young topper says “I will keep working hard and serve the country to the best of my ability as a civil servant.”

source: http://www.hindustantimes.com / Hindustan Times / Home> Education / by Rajeev Mullick, Hindustan Times, New Delhi / June 02nd, 2017

Taking a leap of faith

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy, , ,

Bengaluru, KARNATAKA :

NishaatMPOs06jun2017

 

Nishaat Ahamed on quitting her media job to take up bridal and fashion photography

She started studying journalism but all it took was a credit course in college to get her interested in photography.

Already Nishaat Ahamed, proprietor of Glaamour Studio (www.facebook.com/glaamourstudio.in), is carving a niche for herself as a full-time bridal make-up artist and wedding photographer.

Choosing photography and consequently make-up seemed like a seamless career option for the young woman. Once done with college, Nishaat worked at a media firm for about a year. “I soon realised I wasn’t meant for a nine-to-five desk job so I quit and was free for about seven months. During that period, I happened to meet a photographer who was already into wedding and fashion photography. I was intrigued by his work and was inspired to take up photography professionally. Once I joined photography school, I realised the importance of make-up in a fashion shoot. Once I finished my photography course, I enrolled for a professional make-up course and then began taking up work in both fields together.”

Currently, Nishaat offers make-up services for all occasions, takes classes in personal and professional make-up, shoots weddings, takes up couple shoot assignments such as pre wedding/post wedding shoots, portfolio and fashion shoots for models, maternity pictures….

The youngster says, “Honestly, if I was doing a regular desk job, I’d probably have more free time than I do now. But at the end of the day, when the client gives me good feedback, it makes up for everything.”

Nishaat enjoys being her own boss. “I always tell everyone, including my husband, to quit their job and do something on their own. It is way more rewarding, at least mentally, and at some point financially too. It is just a matter of taking that leap of faith.”

Nishaat has had her fair share of challenges. “Every business has its ups and downs. But you learn from your mistakes and try to get better. After so many rounds of trial and error, I seem to have figured things out a bit. The world of make-up and photography is massive and I’ve only just set foot into it.”

Looking ahead, the young entrepreneur says: “I want to learn more and get more certifications from international artists. I want to get certified by Aliya Baig, one of the best make-up artists in India. And I’d also want to get certified by Tamanna Roashan from California. Then I will open my own photography and make-up school.”

I always tell everyone, including my husband, to quit their job and do something on their own. It is way more rewarding, at least mentally, and at some point financially too.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Features> MetroPlus / by Neeti Sarkar / June 06th, 2017

On a short note

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, , , , ,

Ongole,  ANDHRA PRADESH  /  Hyderabad, TELANGANA :

HaleemKhanMPOs06jun2017

Haleem Khan stars in a short film based on dance

Actor-Kuchipudi dancer Haleem Khan will appear in a 30-minute short film titled Dressed to dance that is based on Kuchipudi.

The film relates to Haleem Khan’s issues related to dance, including the female impersonation aspect and what he learned over a period of time through art forms and his tips to younger generation dancers.

Directed by Sravan Jadala, the film has been produced by Srini Reddy and Deccan Kuchipudi Art Academy.

“Kuchipudi is not often associated with mainstream films and short films since a very long time.

We (director Sravan Jadala and I) felt there is a need to expose dance related content through short films. Dressed to dance is a small attempt to create content around our culture,” states Haleem Khan.

Praveen Bangari and Sameer Khan have done the cinematography for the same.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Features> MetroPlus / June 05th, 2017

Temper that enthusiasm

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Community Involvement / Social Issues, Green Products, Travel & Tourism, ,

Hyderabad, TELANGANA :

A female snow leopard photographed by Ismail Shariff
A female snow leopard photographed by Ismail Shariff

Hyderabad-based wildlife photographer Ismail Shariff on how the lens-totting tribe can exercise restraint in wilderness

The photograph of a snow leopard occupies a pride of place in Ismail Shariff’s edgily-designed studio. The Hyderabad-based wildlife photographer says he was blessed, not plain lucky, to have been able to capture the leopard from barely 15 feet distance in Spiti, Himachal Pradesh, this year.

Shariff has been a part of three snow leopard expeditions. Earlier, he had to be content with images where the leopard was a speck in the frame. “Animals in regions like Spiti or Leh are shy. They sense human presence a mile away,” he says.

A cartload of patience helps photographers get the right shot. They wait for minutes or hours, anticipating the animal’s next move. Shariff’s experience was no different, “From where we were staying, we could spot the leopard sleeping and ran out with our cameras. The villagers were also keen to have a glimpse. We felt that when the leopard wakes up, it will walk away from the noise and make its way to a clearing. We positioned ourselves such that we can get images but not be in its line of sight.”

He’s elated to have captured these images, but he mulls over and says, “If the snow leopards could come this close to humans, either they were short of food or they’ve gotten used to human presence.”

Ismail02MPOs06jun2017

Shariff has been an avid wildlife photographer since 2008 and has observed the rise in numbers in his tribe. “There were fewer people exploring wildlife photography back then since not everyone could afford the flamboyant lenses,” he says.

In July, Shariff plans to visit Ladakh to photograph the Pallas’ cat (named after German naturalist Pyotr Simon Pallas). Besides these niche expeditions, he’s also frequented Tadoba National Park (92 times), Kabini and Jim Corbett National Park that are popular among tourists.

The observations while on these trips make him wonder if aspiring photographers compromise on the ethics of wildlife photography for instant gratification on social media.

It isn’t a case of sour grapes or a cry for exclusivity, Shariff clarifies, “There isn’t much money to be made out of photography in India. A few established photographers work with forest departments and voluntary organisations. Their work helps in documentation and conservation activities. For most others, it’s a hobby. There’s nothing wrong with more people exploring this line. The trouble begins when ego kicks in and you want to bend rules.”

There have been instances of photographers getting too close for the comfort of animals and birds — from attempting to veer off course during safaris to getting closer to bird nests. This isn’t limited to India, says Shariff, sharing instances where he spotted photographers getting off a safari vehicle in Yellowstone National Park in the US or crowding to take shots of a Broadbill’s nest in Malaysia.

Dos and don’ts

* The enthusiasm for a great shot needs to be tempered with restraint and respect for wildlife habitats. While on safaris in places like Tadoba, Kabini or Corbett, drive slowly, don’t talk loudly and never get off the vehicle. By irritating or threatening the animal, you also put yourself at danger. “I’ve seen people trying to bribe guides and drivers to take a different route or allow them to get off the vehicle, setting a wrong precedence to others,” Shariff points out.

* Don’t underestimate nature. Respect weather conditions. Shariff recalls being blown five feet high when a gust of wind changed director in Chopta, Uttarakhand.

* Steer clear of mothers with cubs. “Mothers, be it a tigress, lioness, deer, peafowl or a bear, will do anything to safeguard its offspring.”

* Don’t try to film animals in nocturnal situations unless permitted by forest department. Animal movement is pronounced and unpredictable at night. There have been cases of road-kills where vehicles have knocked down animals.

* If one is truly interested in turning their passion for wildlife photography into something meaningful, collaborate with forest departments or organisations that document wildlife and living conditions of people living close to these zones. A niche category that’s emerging, called conservation photography, helps initiate a dialogue.

Factoid: Collaborate for conservation

Dharmendra Khandal is a conservation biologist, researcher, botanist and photographer associated with Tiger Watch in Ranthambore. His efforts have led to capture of several poachers in Rajasthan. Khandal also helped identify several species of spiders.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> LifeStyle> World Environment Day / by Sangeetha Devi Dundoo / June 03rd, 2017

MIT assistant professor completes Okha-Dibrugarh solo ride ahead of schedule

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Community Involvement / Social Issues, Education, Sports,

Manipal , KARNATAKA :

S S S Shameem
S S S Shameem

MANIPAL:

There was no heart break the second time round for intrepid cyclist  S S S Shameem, assistant professor  of MIT, Manipal University. Having fallen agonisingly short of attempted solo cycling journey from Kanyakumari to Kashmir, a 3,500-kms ride in 23-days in 2016; Shameem successfully completed Okha (Gujarat) to Dibrugarh (Assam) solo cycling expedition covering 3,400-kms, a journey that started on May 15 and ended on May 29.

This solo cycling expedition which he decided to complete in just 20 days was not for any record, but to spread message of unity and humanity in a greener and healthier way. Shameem’s endurance and past experience in such long distance cycling events saw him cover the distance in just 15-days. Shameem said, “I just managed those extra miles each day, helping me shave off a good five-days from my earlier journey schedule of 20-days.”

If the Okha to Dibrugarh journey saw Shameem cover 3,400-kms, for his journey from Manipal to Okha he travelled a hectic 2000+ km which saw him undertake a roller-coaster journey of 50 hours. Starting with Gujarat, and followed by Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal , and Assam; each state had its own surprising flavour. During this journey, he passed through six states and UTs, 35 districts, and many cities, NHs, check-posts.

Risk factor of cycling in particular sensitive parts of UP and Bihar was a matter of worry for him, though it turned out all safe and sound without any issues. “Constant support of parents, wishes of friends paid off, and I could finish the feat without any major challenges,” he said. Factoring the summer heat and aiming to cover sufficient distance, he spent most of the day resting while covering major part of the route during early morning, late afternoon, evening, and night hours.

The distance covered daily was around 200km to 300 km. With heat, causing irritation; modified schedules; and focus on extra mileages, Shameem could not enjoy beauty of the nature around; nor could he stop at places to interact with people as he wanted. Throughout the journey; he was getting offers for help and support from many. Since such offers would consume time, forcing him to travel additional distance to reach to them; Shameem avoided it all.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / News> City News> Mangalore News / by Jaideep Shenoy, TNN / May 31st, 2017

Sarah Cohen and kindred spirits

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Community Involvement / Social Issues, Travel & Tourism,

Mattancherry, KERALA :

House of lore: Sara Cohen with Thaha Ibrahim in her backyard. PHOTO: THULASI KAKKAT
House of lore: Sara Cohen with Thaha Ibrahim in her backyard.
PHOTO: THULASI KAKKAT

A nonagenarian Jewish woman in Mattancherry in west Kochi finds a pillar of support in a Muslim couple and a Christian maid.

Thaha Ibrahim is as keen on maintaining the sanctity of shabbat as he is of his Friday namaz. The devout Muslim spends almost all day taking care of a nonagenarian Jewish woman, Sarah Cohen, whom he calls aunt.

A strong bond of love binds them together in the sunset years of the Jewish community in Mattancherry in west Kochi, where Jews lived in the thousands in the past, contributing substantially to the city’s growth. The strength of the community waned over the years, with a large number of them migrating to Israel. A few like the Cohens stayed put, determined to live in the land of their birth that gave them the identity of Cochin Jews.

Sepia-tinted memories: A corner of the home dedicated to the past. PHOTO: THULASI KAKKAT
Sepia-tinted memories: A corner of the home dedicated to the past.
PHOTO: THULASI KAKKAT


Mr. Ibrahim found a place in the hearts of the Cohens and the Jewish community as a whole. The middle-school dropout used to earn a few rupees selling souvenir postcards to tourists arriving by ship at the nearby port a quarter century ago. One day, a ship docked and Mr. Ibrahim discovered he had no cards to sell as the place where he had stacked them had been locked by its owner. An inconsolable Mr. Ibrahim found a mentor in Ms. Cohen’s husband, Jacob, who allowed him to store the cards at his place. It soon developed into a familial tie, which got Mr. Ibrahim to take care of Ms. Cohen after Jacob’s death some 15 years ago.

A job shared: Thaha helps Sarah embroider a Kippa, the Jewish skullcap. PHOTO: THULASI KAKKAT
A job shared: Thaha helps Sarah embroider a Kippa, the Jewish skullcap.
PHOTO: THULASI KAKKAT

Mr. Ibrahim and his wife have been a pillar of support for Ms. Cohen, who runs an embroidery shop at the mouth of the narrow alley leading up to Pardesi Synagogue. They take care of the household and run errands for her.

Simple repast: Seli serving lunch to Sarah. PHOTO: THULASI KAKKAT
Simple repast: Seli serving lunch to Sarah.
PHOTO: THULASI KAKKAT

They are like children to the childless matriarch, who is as much a Jew as she is part of the multicultural mosaic of west Kochi. Seli, Ms. Cohen’s Christian maid, who has been by her side for over a decade, adds to the mix.

Text and images by Thulasi Kakkat

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> States> Kerala / by Thulasi Kakkat / May 28th, 2017

Winning laurels: For the first time ever, 50 Muslim candidates clear UPSC civil services exam

Community Involvement / Social Issues, Education, , , , , , , ,

Lucknow,  UTTAR PRADESH :

50 muslim candidates made the cut in the UPSC civil services exam 2016 and 10 figured in the top 100 rank

Lucknow:

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) results on Wednesday brought cheers to 1,099 successful candidates. Among those who made the cut were 50 Muslims – the highest number ever to have cleared the exam.

Ten Muslims figured in the top 100 rank and six Muslim women also came out with flying colours in the exams. Jammu and Kashmir led from the front with Bilal Mohiud Din Bhat bagging the 10th rank and 13 others cracking the exam.

“It’s heartening. The credit goes to several non-profit and social organisations which have been relentlessly working for literacy, creating awareness and highlighting the importance of education in the community,” says Salam Siddiqui, former principal of Mumtaz Inter College. Sure enough, among the 50 successful Muslims, 16 candidates were mentored by the Zakat Foundation of India (ZFI) – a charity organisation providing free coaching for civil services exams.

The wake-up call for the community came in the form of the Sachar Committee Report, which was released in November 2006, say educationists. Painting a dismal picture of Muslims in India, concern was expressed in the report over the poor representation of Muslims in government sector jobs.

In 2016, 36 Muslims had cleared the exams, while the number stood at 38 in 2015, 34 in 2014 and 30 in 2013. Although Muslims comprise 13.4% of the total population, they have very little representation in the top government services, often due to lack of education and unavailability of resources. Consequently, the percentage of Muslims clearing the examinations remained roughly around 3% in the last few years.

In 2013, a total of 1,122 candidates had made it to the prestigious civil services, of which 34 or 3.03% were Muslims. In the 2012 UPSC result, only 31 Muslims could make it to the final list out of 998 successful candidates, which translates to 3.10%. In the civil services, Muslims comprise about 3% in Indian Administrative Service, 1.8% in Indian Foreign Service and around 4% in the Indian Police Service, according to data culled by organisations working in the field of literacy and employment.

“But when you compare these figures with the fact that Muslims comprise about 14% of the population, 3% is not a very encouraging figure,” says Agha Pervez Masih, administrator of Lucknow Guidance Centre, a free coaching centre at Halwasiya Market in Hazratganj run by the Aaaghaz Foundation.

The community, he feels, still has a long way to go and a respectable proportionate representation according to population share would be reached when 170-180 Muslims make the mark in the civil services exams.

source: http://www.hindustantimes.com / Hindustan Times / Home> Education / by M. Tariq Khan / June 02nd, 2017