Seeding of Aadhaar numbers with NPR begins in city

November 17, 2015Community Involvement / Social Issues, Leadersmpositiveone@gmail.com

Mysuru :

With enumerators collecting Aadhaar numbers from Mayor B.L. Bhyrappa and Deputy Mayor Vanitha Prasanna from their respective residences, the process of updating and revising the National Population Register (NPR) with Aadhaar numbers, a project launched by the Directorate of Census Operations as per 2011 census, began in the city yesterday.

M.H.R. Khasimi, Deputy Director, Directorate of Census Operations, Bengaluru, led enumerators to the residences of Bhyrappa and Vanitha Prasanna and collected their Aadhaar numbers to launch the project.

Elaborating on the scheme, Khasimi said that updated NPR will be the mother database, thereby becoming the source of identification of individuals to avail benefits of various government schemes and programmes.

It is said that Mysuru City Corporation (MCC), which has identified 1,643 enumeration blocks, has roped in 548 enumerators for the purpose. These enumerators will visit every household and cross check the information already available in the register like names of family members, parents, date of birth, present address among others.

In case of corrections, the changes will be effected. During the course, the enumerators will collect information of the households not covered during the first phase of the drive when general details were collected, said MCC in-Charge Deputy Commissioner (Revenue) M.J. Roopa.

The MCC is tasked with the job in the city limits while the District Administration will take up the work in rural parts and the drive is expected to be completed before December, 2015. The NPR will be updated regularly in future by integrating details related to birth, death and marriage, it is said.

It is learnt that the Central Government, which has already created a NPR of the usual residents during first phase of the 2011 census as a first step towards creation of National Register of Indian Citizens (NRIC), is now updating the database and seeding Aadhaar numbers to weed out illegal occupants, if any, to provide various benefits, it is learnt.

The residents are informed to be ready with their Aadhaar cards or acknowledgements issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI). In cases of others, who do not possess the card, the authorities have requested citizens to co-operate by giving accurate and complete information to enumerators.

About NPR: The Government of India has created National Population Register (NPR) of ‘usual residents’ in the country during the I phase of the 2011 Census as a first step towards creation of National Register of Indian Citizens (NRIC).

The legal basis of NPR is the Citizenship Act, 1955 and Citizenship Rules, 2003.

The electronic database — National Register of Usual Residents (NRUR) — of more than 119 crore usual residents of the country had already been created under NPR in English as well as in the regional languages. The field work for updating of NPR database and seeding of Aadhaar in NPR database will be for a period of one month in the State.

The NPR database would be updated regularly in future by integrating it with birth, death and marriage registration.

Database: The updated NPR would be the mother database, thereby becoming the source of identification of individuals for various government schemes/programmes, a press release said here.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> General News / Monday – November 16th, 2015

Actor Saeed Jaffrey was first Indian named to Order of British Empire

November 17, 2015Arts, Culture & Entertainment, NRI's / PIO's, World Opinionmpositiveone@gmail.com

Saeed Jaffrey, left, in Masala. (Cinephile) — Saeed Jaffrey, left, in Masala.
(Cinephile)

Saeed Jaffrey, one of the best-known faces of British-Indian cinema and television, has died at the age of 86.

The Indian-born British actor appeared in the Oscar-winning Gandhi and films such as My Beautiful Laundrette, as well as many Bollywood films and British television productions, including Coronation Street.

Among his screen credits in a career spanning more than 50 years were roles in director John Huston’s The Man Who Would Be King and Indian director Satyajit Ray’s The Chess Players, as well as the BBC television series and film versions of A Passage to India.

A statement issued by his family on Monday said he passed away peacefully on Nov. 14 at a London hospital; he collapsed at his home in London from a brain hemorrhage and did not regain consciousness, they said.

In a career that spanned more than 50 years, Mr. Jaffrey worked with actors and directors including Sean Connery, Michael Caine, Roshan Seth, Daniel Day-Lewis, James Ivory and Richard Attenborough.

Mr. Jaffrey’s other international works included the popular 1980s television series The Jewel in the Crown (in which he played the Nawab of Mirat) and films such as Chicken Tikka Masala.

In a tweet on Monday, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi described Mr. Jaffrey as “a multifaceted actor whose flair and versatility will always be remembered.”

Saeed Jaffrey was born on Jan. 8, 1929, into a Muslim family in Malerkotla, Punjab, and started his acting career by setting up his own theatre company in New Delhi. He worked at the state-run All India Radio before moving to the United States as a Fulbright scholar and studying drama at the Catholic University of America, according to the Press Trust of India news agency.

He was the first Indian to take Shakespearean plays on a tour to the United States. He later quit the tour to marry his first wife, Madhur Jaffrey, an Indian-born actor, food and travel writer and television personality. The couple, whose marriage ended in divorce in 1965, had three daughters, Sakina, Zia and Meera.

Sakina Jaffrey is also a film and television actor (Raising Helen, House of Cards, Sleepy Hollow), and appeared with her father in the 1992 Canadian-made film Masala, which was set in Toronto’s Indian community. Globe and Mail reviewer Rick Groen praised it for being a “movie that refuses to compromise … and that perfectly embodies the meaning of its exotic title: ‘a spicy combination of elements.’”

In addition to his children, Mr. Jaffrey leaves his second wife, Jennifer, whom he married in 1980.

In the 1975 film The Man Who Would Be King, he played opposite Mr. Cain and Mr. Connery. In 1982, he portrayed Patel in Gandhi, which starred Ben Kingsley. In 1985’s My Beautiful Laundrette, which starred Mr. Day-Lewis, he play the laundrette owner, Nasi.

Mr. Jaffrey developed his Bollywood career in the 1970s and 80s with roles in popular movies such as Masoom (Innocent), Mr. Ray’s Chess Players and later Henna. He worked with several top Bollywood actors, including Amitabh Bachchan, Aamir Khan and Madhuri ixit.

In 1995, Mr. Jaffrey became the first Indian to named to the Order of the British Empire, for his contributions to drama.

With files from AP and staff

source: http://www.theglobeandmail.com / The Globe and Mail / Home> Arts> Film / by Michael Roddy / Reuters / Monday – November 16th, 2015

Syed Akbaruddin India’s next Permanent Representative to UN

November 16, 2015Leaders, World Opinionmpositiveone@gmail.com

New Delhi :

Senior diplomat and former high- profile spokesperson of the External Affairs Ministry Syed Akbaruddin has been appointed as India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, succeeding Asoke Mukerji.

A 1985 batch IFS officer, Akbaruddin, currently serving as an Additional Secretary in MEA, is credited with bringing a whiff of fresh air into the Ministry’s External Publicity division during his three-and-half year tenure as the spokesperson.

He had also brought an effective mix of social and digital media into the External Publicity division.

As India’s Permanent Representative to the global body in New York, Akbaruddin’s main task would be to push for India’s bid to gain permanent membership of the UN Security Council as well as to strongly advocate its position on key issues.

Akbaruddin was Chief Coordinator of the recently-held Indo-Africa Summit here which was participated by heads of state and government of 41 countries from African continent.

He had served at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Geneva and is considered an “expert” on the West Asia where he had served in various capacities.

Vikas Swarup, author of best-selling novel “Q&A” which formed the basis for Oscar-winning movie “Slumdog Millionaire”, had replaced Akbaruddin as MEA spokesperson in April.

source: http://www.ptinews.co.in / Press Trust of India / Home> National / New Delhi – November 16th, 2015

Innovation important to maintain edge in global pharma business: Dr. Ahmed Kamal

November 15, 2015Business & Economy, Leaders, Science & Technologympositiveone@gmail.com

Hyderabad:

Emphasizing the need for research and discovery of new drugs, Dr. Ahmad Kamal, Project Director National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, said that innovation is important for Indian pharmaceutical industry to maintain its competitive edge at the international level.

He said the industry can no longer depend on generic drugs alone.

Dr Kamal was addressing the students and faculty of Maulana Azad National Urdu University (MANUU) on the occasion of Education Day observed as the climax of Azad Day Celebrations 2015 that began on November 4.

He said that science and technology could have a real long term effect on the development of our country.

Dr. Kamal also said there is no dearth of talent in our country, but the need is to groom it properly. Advising the students to avoid short-cuts to pass exams or score good marks, he encouraged them to become experts in the subjects they choose to pursue.

Underscoring the importance of Information Technology for research, he urged the students to take advantage of the vast material related to different fields available online.

Paying his respect to Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, Kamal said it is the vision of people like Azad that put India on the path of development.

In charge Vice Chancellor MANUU, Prof. K.R. Iqbal Ahmed congratulated the team led by Prof. Amina Kishore for seamlessly organising the Azad Day Celebrations 2015.

Pointing to the fact that soon India will be a youth-majority country, he said that “young India can do wonders.”

Registrar MANUU, Prof. S.M. Rahmatullah, presented the vote of thanks.

Prof. P. Fazal ur Rahman, coordinator of the programme, gave a brief introduction of the university and the Guest Speaker.

Prof. Siddiqui Mohammad Mahmood, HoD, Education and Training conducted the programme.

Instructional Media Centre of MANUU presented a short audio-visual report on the 9 day long celebrations.

source: http://www.ummid.com / Ummid.com / Home> Business & Economy / ummid.com news network / Friday – November 13th, 2015

Media, friends throng Muslim teacher’s house in Alwar after Modi’s remarks

November 15, 2015Amazing Feats, Community Involvement / Social Issues, Education, Science & Technologympositiveone@gmail.com

[UK Parliamentarians and Lords calls on the Prime Minister Narendra Modi after his address, at Wembley Stadium, in London on November 13, 2015.]

Jaipur:

Imran Khan, a maths teacher in a government school in Alwar district, still can not believe that Prime MInister Narendra Modi mentioned his name during his speech at London’s Wembley stadium.

“It still is like a dream… PM mentioning my name is unbelievable….When PM was delivering his speech I was half asleep. I do not have a TV in my house. I came to know only after my friends and well-wishers started to call me.

“To confirm this, I watched the prime minister’s speech on YouTube….watched it again and again to confirm….reconfirm it…he was mentioning me,” Imran Khan told IANS on the phone on Saturday, a day after Modi’s address.

“You will not believe that since yesterday evening I have not been able to eat food….there are media persons….my friends….my relatives calling up….coming to meet me….absolutely no food since yesterday evening,” said a happy Imran.

“I made a small effort and it has been praised by the PM…..it feels great…really very great,” he said.

Modi, during his speech, said: “In Rajasthan’s Alwar there is a man called Imran Khan. He has made 50 mobile apps. And Alwar’s Imran Khan dedicated those apps to the students for free.”

“My India is in that Imran Khan from Alwar,” Modi said.

The 37-year-old teaches maths in a government school in Alwar district.

Imran has so far developed 52 education-oriented mobile applications since 2012.

“I do not have any background in computer technology but I had a computer in my house and I used to devote lot of time on it developing websites and other things. When I met the then district collector of my area he told me to develop apps as he said that future will belong to mobile apps. After reading some books that had chapters on apps, I started to develop mobile apps and since 2012 I have developed 52,” he said.

“My mobile apps have been downloaded by over 30 lakh users so far,” Imran claimed, adding that he considers the general science in hindi app as his completely “different” kind of one.

[Anil Sharma can be contacted at anil.s@ians.in]

source: http://www.ummid.com / Ummid.com / Home> India / by Anil Sharma, IANS / Saturday – November 14th, 2015

Kerala mosque celebrates 18th century Hindu martyr

November 15, 2015Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Community Involvement / Social Issuesmpositiveone@gmail.com

Malappuram :

At a time when the country witnesses cases of religious intolerance, this mosque in Malappuram continues to be as an epitome of communal harmony. Kunhelu, a Hindu martyr was buried at Valiyangadi Jumammasjid here centuries ago. The mosque continues the tradition of offering special prayers at his grave even today.

Kunhelu, locally revered as a legendary figure, is believed to have lost his life along with 43 Muslim warriors in a battle against the erstwhile Zamorin (ruler) of Kozhikode 290 years ago. As per historical evidence and Malappuram Kissa Mala written by poet Moyinkutty Vaidyar, 44 ‘shuhadakkal’ (martyrs) died fighting the army led by Varakkal Para Nambi, the minister of Zamorin over an issue of tax collection.

Kunhelu, who belonged to thattan (goldsmith) community, joined his Muslim friends under the leadership of Alimarakkar. Muslims were forced to flee the region when the mosque was set ablaze by Nambi. Later, the issue was resolved and Nambi himself took the effort of rebuilding the mosque and brought many Muslim families back to Malappuram. The mosque evolved over the years to become a major religious centre in Malappuram Town.

Descendants of Kunhelu are invited during prayer meetings and annual aadu nercha (goat sacrifice) held in memory of the martyrs at the mosque. “The family members are invited to prayer meetings. During the nercha held in the Arabic month of Sha’ban, cheerni (sweet) is prepared and distributed among the public,” said Manukuttan, a teacher, who belongs to the family of Kunhelu.

Sayed Muthukkoya Thangal, khazi of Malappuram, said the tradition showcased the unity among Hindus and Muslims. Historian K K N Kuruppu said people cutting across communal differences had joined hands in fighting for a common cause centuries ago. “As there are no inscriptions or documents citing the names of the martyrs, historians depend on legends and ballads,” he said.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / News Home> National> India / by T.P. Nijeeesh, TNN / November 03rd, 2015

IUML may choose Rubeena or Sabeena

November 13, 2015Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Community Involvement / Social Issues, Leadersmpositiveone@gmail.com

The Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) is likely to choose between Rubeena and Sabeena Mansoor as their chairperson candidate for the Feroke municipality, where the post is reserved for women. Party sources told The Hindu that Ms. Rubeena with her earlier experience as a member in the erstwhile Feroke panchayat stood a better chance over Ms. Sabeena, who is a fresher to the local body.

However, IUML district general secretary M.A. Razaque said the party leadership was yet to take a decision on the chairperson candidate for the municipality. “We have a few good candidates to be considered for the post. A final decision on it will be taken shortly,” he said.

Ms. Rubeena was elected to the newly upgraded municipality from the Muthuvattupara division while Ms. Sabeena was elected from Kottapadam division 7 of the municipality for a relatively better margin. “Both are eligible for the post. However, the mantle is likely to fall on Ms. Rubeena,” said a party source on condition of anonymity.

The UDF has won 17 and the LDF 18 divisions in the municipality. However, it is the two UDF rebels, who also won from different divisions, to decide the fate of the municipality in favour of the UDF. According to the UDF leaders from the municipality, the front had already reached a consensus on receiving the support of the rebel candidates.

“After all, they won not with the rival front’s votes,” said P. Asif, an IUML leader from the municipality.

With the UDF set to garner the support of the rebels, Feroke’s rule is almost sure to be in the hands of the UDF. The Bharatiya Janatha Party has also won one division in the municipality. However, both the fronts have made it clear that they won’t accept the BJP support in any case. Nor the party is likely to offer their support to any.

With the support of rebels, UDF is likely to rule Feroke municipality

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Kozhikode / by Staff Reporter / Kozhikode – November 12th, 2015

Maulana Abul Kalam’s birth anniversary celebrated

November 13, 2015Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Education, Leadersmpositiveone@gmail.com

The foundations of secularism in the country were laid by the Congress Party and that Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, a freedom fighter was an important functionary in the party, said speakers at the Gandhi Bhavan.

Among those who participated in the 127th birth anniversary celebrations of Azad, who served as All India Congress Committee President at a young age, spoke volumes of how much the Congress believed in and propagated secularism, said Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee Working President Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka. He added that if secularism were alive and healthy today in the country it was only because of the Congress.

Among others present and who addressed the moderate gathering were Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Council Mohd. Ali Shabbir and AICC spokesperson Madhu Yashki and former MP Mallu Ravi.

Several speakers extolled the virtues of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad and underscored for the youth of today to take him an inspiration and take the country and the Congress Party forward.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Hyderabad / by Suresh Krishnamoorthy / Hyderabad – November 12th, 2015

Playing politics over Tipu dangerous, says scion

November 13, 2015Community Involvement / Social Issues, Leadersmpositiveone@gmail.com

Kolkata :

Shahzada Anwar Ali Shah, great great grandson of Tipu Sultan, on Wednesday lashed out against BJP and other Sangh affiliates for distorting history by portraying the Eighteenth century monarch as “most intolerant” and a “tyrant”.

He also accused right wing forces of diluting Tipu’s identity as an Indian icon, who was “one of country’s first freedom fighters”. “BJP and other Sangh affiliates are playing politics of religion over Tipu Sultan, which is very dangerous,” warned Shah.

Speaking to TOI from his haveli in Tollygunge, he said, “Shaheed Tipu Sultan was one of the first freedom fighters of the country and was martyred while fighting the British. This makes him a national icon.

But concerted efforts are being made by a big section to dilute his identity by communalising his legacy in order to alienate him from the people of this country.” Shah said the Karnataka government had invited him for the celebrations but he could not go due to ill health.

Hasnain Imam, a city-based political scientist, said: “The idea of right-wing groups seems to weave a narrative around Tipu Sultan’s legacy of another Muslim ruler who was intolerant, bigoted and who plundered temples. The objective is to reinvent him as an intolerant king to help them shift the attention from the debate over its own intolerant nature.”

Tipu Sultan’s supporters credit him for financing temples and inventing unique techniques of warfare against the British. They view him as a patriot. Right wing forces accuse him of forced conversions and large-scale temple destruction in southern Karnataka and northern Kerala.

But historians have said there is no evidence of this. “Tipu Sultan is as much an Indian icon as Gandhi and Tagore. Such intolerance towards his legacy will only give the country a bad name in international communities,” said Shah.

Descendants of Tipu Sultan have been staying in Kolkata since 1806, when the British kept them under house arrest in Tollygunge.

Shah’s great grandfather Gholam Mohammed, who was shifted to Kolkata from Vellore Fort, purchased several properties in the city. He built mosques (Tipu Sultan Mosque in Esplanade and Shaheed Tipu Sultan Shahi Mosque in Tollygunge), hospitals and educational institutions.

Some of the landmarks here belong to Prince Ghulam Mohammed Waqf Estate, of which Anwar is the mutwalli in the city.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / News Home> City> Kolkata / by Zeeshan Javed, TNN / November 12th, 2015