Tag Archives: Mumbai Muslims

The Muslim changemakers of Maharashtra

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MAHARASHTRA :

Muslim changemakers of Maharashtra

New Delhi :

Awaz-The Voice, through its ‘The Changemakers’ series, has introduced readers to inspiring figures from Uttar Pradesh, Assam, and Jammu & Kashmir.

Starting July 6, we will feature ten remarkable changemakers from Maharashtra.

These individuals not only embody the state’s vibrant and progressive legacy but are also shaping a future that is tolerant, equitable, harmonious, and inclusive.

Working quietly away from the limelight, their impactful contributions are being brought to the public through Awaz-The Voice. Here’s a glimpse into their inspiring journeys.

Dr. Farah Anwar Husain Shaikh

Dr. Farah Anwar Husain Shaikh leads the Mis Farah Charitable Foundation in Pune’s Dapodi, delivering health, education, and disaster relief to communities. Her bold advocacy for Muslim women’s right to pray in mosques challenges deep-rooted traditions, earning her a doctorate in social work and women’s empowerment. Her story is that of the struggle for equality, Farah’s tireless efforts are transforming lives and reshaping Pune’s social landscape, making her a beacon of grassroots change.

Paigambar Shaikh

Rationalist Paigambar Shaikh is redefining tradition with his “Economic Qurbani” initiative from Pune, transforming the Eid al-Adha sacrifice into a force for community growth. By channeling resources into education, microfinance, and health camps, he blends faith with practicality. He is inspired by the Satyashodhak movement. His innovative approach fosters sustainable development and communal harmony in Maharashtra’s far-flung areas, marking him as a visionary changemaker.

Marziya Shanu Pathan

Marziya Shanu Pathan, 24, is an activist. From leading a march for Malala Yusufzai at age 12 to organizing the vibrant Mumbra-Kausa Children’s Festival, she champions women and youth in her township. Her blend of fiery activism and community initiatives is uplifting Mumbra, proving her dedication to a brighter, more inclusive future.

Hazrat Ali Sonikar and Munir Shikalkar

In Sangli’s agricultural heartland, Hazrat Ali Sonikar and Munir Shikalkar are empowering the Muslim community through grassroots activism. Hazrat rallies youth with awareness campaigns and workshops, while Munir bridges gaps with local authorities to secure resources. Their collaborative manifesto, amplifying education and employment, is reshaping the future of the community, showcasing the power of local action.

Sakib Gore

In Badlapur, Maharashtra, Sakib Gore is lighting up lives through his ‘Vision Friend Sakib Gore’ initiative, driven by his grandmother’s struggle with blindness. With a belief that glasses are more than a fashion statement—they’re a lifeline to sight—he’s brought eye exams to 2.6 million people, distributed 1.7 million free spectacles, and facilitated 63,000 free cataract surgeries. His ‘Devabhau’ glasses, priced at just 33 rupees, earned him global acclaim and the ‘System Leader Award’ at a World Summit in Kathmandu. Reinvesting every profit into free glasses for the poor, Sakib’s mission is simple but profound: to lift the visually impaired out of darkness, one pair of eyes at a time.

Sarfaraz Ahamad

Solapur’s Sarfaraz Ahamad, a 41-year-old historian, brings Maharashtra’s Deccan heritage to life through his eight books. His books include the acclaimed Hyder Ali, Tipu Sultan, and The Sultanate-e-Khudadaad. As a founder member of the Ghaziuddin Research Center which promotes objective historical research. His writings in Marathi, Hindi, Urdu, and English captivate readers. Sarfaraz’s work is reviving cultural pride and inspiring a new generation of scholars.

Sabah Khan

Sabah Khan’s NGO Parcham based in Mumbara, empowers girls through football, challenging norms and building confidence among them. Khan, 50, fosters gender equality and religious harmony, securing a dedicated football field and launching the Savitri-Fatima Foundation to support education and economic growth. Sabah’s transformative work offers Mumbra’s youth a vibrant path to self-discovery.

Afroz Shah

Mumbai’s Afroz Shah, a 42-year-old lawyer, turned Versova Beach into the site of the world’s largest clean-up, removing 20 million kilograms of trash. Afroz Shah Foundation now tackles rivers and waste culture, earning him the UN’s ‘Champion of the Earth’ title. From slums to schools, his “dates with the ocean” inspire thousands, proving one man’s grit can spark a movement.

Dr. Sabiha Inamdar

In Nashik, 43-year-old Dr. Sabiha Inamdar, an intimacy and relationship coach, is breaking taboos around sexual wellness. She creates safe spaces for women and couples to discuss intimacy and emotions openly. What makes Dr. Sabiha’s work important is her commitment to normalizing healthy conversations around sex, emotions, and interpersonal connection—especially for women. Her workshops shift mindsets, fostering healthier relationships and emotional well-being across Maharashtra.

Hussain Mansuri

Mumbai’s Hussain Mansuri, a 40-year-old philanthropist with 7.8 million Instagram followers, spreads compassion across the city’s streets. From feeding street kids to caring for stray animals, his quiet acts of kindness, rooted in Islamic values, touch countless lives. Whether delivering meals near Tata Hospital or comforting the grieving,

Hussain’s selfless mission ripples far beyond Mumbai.

source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> The Changemakers / posted by Aasha Khosa, ATV / July 05th, 2025

Mumbai’s Umar Sheikh Tops 8th Class Scholarship Exam with 72.79% Marks

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Mumbai, MAHARASHTRA :

Umar Sheikh’s determination and the school’s support have been vital to his academic achievements

New Delhi :

The Maharashtra State Examination Council’s recent 5th and 8th class scholarship exams witnessed remarkable achievements from students across the state. Among them, 954 students from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) schools secured places on the district merit list, with Muslim student Muhammad Umar Sheikh standing out as the top scorer in the 8th class scholarship exam with an impressive 72.79% marks.

This achievement is particularly significant given the exam’s difficulty and the fierce competition from students all over Maharashtra. The 8th class scholarship exam was held on February 9, drawing hundreds of participants. In the 5th class category, Ridhi Kamlesh Mishra from Vakola BMC Hindi Medium school topped with 79.19% marks.

Muhammad Umar Sheikh, a student of Deonar Colony MPS School No. 4 and currently in the ninth grade, secured 236 out of 300 marks, making him the highest scorer in all BMC schools for the 8th grade. This year, out of the 954 successful candidates, 536 were from the 5th grade and 418 from the 8th grade. This is a sharp increase compared to last year’s 405 students who cleared the exams.

Speaking to the media, Muhammad Umar’s father, Muhammad Saleem, shared the challenges their family has faced. “My son has been topping his class in mathematics and science since the beginning. He loves these subjects and has been very focused,” said Saleem. He added that Umar had also topped the 5th class scholarship exam.

Saleem narrated the difficulties faced by the family during the COVID pandemic. “Before COVID, my two children studied at DY Patil School in Nerul, Navi Mumbai. However, due to the loss of income during the pandemic, I could not pay their school fees, and the school stopped their studies. The school even refused to give their transfer certificates because of unpaid fees,” he explained.

With limited options, Saleem moved his family to Govindi in 2021 and struggled to find admission for his children. “It was not easy, but with persistence, I managed to get them admitted to a school here,” he said. Despite the hardships, Saleem is proud of his children’s resilience and achievements. “They are intelligent, and their performance at the new school has been excellent,” he remarked.

When asked about his son’s ambitions, Saleem said, “Umar wants to become a scientist. He has been saying this since the first grade, and with the way he is studying, I believe he will achieve it.”

The school’s principal and staff have expressed great pride in Muhammad Umar’s success. Principal Menal Chaudhary, along with teachers Uday, Ravi, Balu, Prateek, Nitin, and Smithia Madam, congratulated Umar and praised his dedication and hard work. “His success is a source of pride for the entire school,” they said.

This story highlights not only the academic excellence of Indian Muslim students in Mumbai’s government schools but also the obstacles faced by economically weaker families. It also reflects the support provided by committed teachers and principals who encourage students to reach their full potential.

Muhammad Umar Sheikh’s story serves as an inspiration for many young students facing financial hardships, demonstrating that determination and support can lead to success. His achievement, along with the rise in the number of successful students from BMC schools, reflects a positive change in the educational opportunities for Indian Muslim children, who often face social and economic challenges.

In a city known for its diversity, such stories emphasise the need to acknowledge and support the talents and ambitions of minority communities. This achievement sends a message to all that education is the key to overcoming barriers and achieving dreams, regardless of one’s background.

source: http://www.clarionindia.net / Clarion India / Home> Indian Muslims / by Clarion India / July 14th, 2025

Unsung Hero: Pav-seller Nazim Sheikh saves lives on Mumbai shores

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Mumbai, MAHARASHTRA :

Mohammed Nazim Sheikh

Mohammed Nazim Sheikh, 51, is a silent saviour of lives on the Mumbai shores. After selling pav (Mumbai bread) at the Colaba, from early monring till noon, the 51-year-old Mumbaikar, leaves for the beach at the Gateway of India to keep an eye on the sea lovers who might be unknowingly putting their lives at risk.

Like a silent sentinel, he has been guarding the dangerous beach at the Gateway of India for 35 years and has saved more than 300 persons so far.

Nazim says,”They (tourists) come closer to the sea to feel the splash. Once they slip, the tide pulls them into the water,” he says. “If somebody doesn’t rush for their help, they’re gone.”

Nazim started rescuing drowning people at the age of just 16. With the skills of a trained lifeguard and a sense of mission, he pulls people out of the water who are unaware of the dangers and are carelessly near death.

“They come just to feel the splash or to see the view, but one slip is enough, and the wave takes them away. If immediate action is not taken, it is not possible to save them,” he says.

Nazim says he has also recovered about 25 to 30 bodies so far—mostly men. He has witnessed many accidents during festivals.

Nazim’s most memorable rescue operation was in 1996 when he swam across during high tide. For this feat, he was awarded the title of ‘Best Swimmer’. In recent years, especially during the 2022 Ganpati immersion, he saved two people from drowning.

According to hawkers who set up shop around the Gateway of India, Nazim is always the first to arrive. Nowadays, due to social media, tourists often start making videos by crossing the safety barrier, which proves to be dangerous. In such a situation, when someone falls into the sea, the first name that comes to everyone’s mind is Nazim – even before the police or the fire brigade.

A 60-year-old woman who runs a stall in front of the Taj Hotel says: “I have been seeing Nazim for years. He has saved countless lives. Everyone working at the gateway knows that he is the one to call immediately in an emergency.”

A local photographer says, “Earlier they used to patrol right in front of the gateway, but now that area is closed for security reasons. Nowadays they are seen in front of the Taj Hotel where people come to enjoy the ocean waves.”

Another 51-year-old cameraman says: “Everyone working at the gateway knows the moderator and knows when to contact him. The best thing is that whether you call him or not, he arrives on his own.”

However, despite his selfless service Nazim has not received any official government recognition or honor till now. The Nazim said that he has written letters to the Prime Minister and the Chief Minister (Devendra Fadnavis), but no action has been taken.

“Still waiting, nothing has happened,” he shrugs. Many of Nazim’s awards and newspaper clippings have also been lost during the renovation of his house. He finishes selling pav by noon, but as soon as the tide comes in, he becomes alert.

“When someone is in trouble, be it locals or the police, they call me. I am not afraid of the sea. Allah has given me this strength, I just do my job,” he says humbly. Nazim was also part of the rescue team during the 2003 Gateway bombing and helped recover bodies from there.

Today, while beach safety has improved and suicides have declined, Nazim still stands as a silent sentinel on Mumbai’s beaches. “If anything happens, I’m ready,” he says resolutely.

Colaba Senior Police Inspector Pramod Bhaute said, “Nazim works as a lifeguard for us. He is always active and alert. His help has proven invaluable in many cases. He lives in the Jetty area. Mumbai Police says it’s grateful to him for him selfless mission in saving lives.

source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Story / by Onika Maheshwari, Mumbai / July 13th, 2025

Vogue Theater Committed to Promoting Urdu Language, Theatre, and Creative Activities

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Mumbai, MAHARASHTRA :

Mumbai:

The sixth annual festival, “Discover,” celebrated young creative talents with enthusiasm, recognizing efforts to provide them a platform.

Organized by Vogue Theatre in collaboration with Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, the state-level Urdu drama competition and children’s festival successfully took place at Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan. The event showcased the richness of Urdu language and literature while offering young talents an opportunity to express their creativity. Schools from Mumbai, its suburbs, and other districts participated, making it a vibrant confluence of artistic expression.

Engr. Adnan Sarkhot, President of Vogue Theatre, who has been associated with Urdu theatre for over 30 years and actively works for children’s creative development, led the event to its grand success. Notable guests, including Padma Shri Dr. Zaheer Kazi, IPS Qaiser Khalid, Dr. Sheikh Abdullah, Zahid Khan, and Zakir Khan, lauded Team Vogue’s initiative, emphasizing the importance of such programs in preserving Urdu for future generations.

As in previous years, “Discover” featured various competitions, including drawing, mono-acting, Urdu and English story writing, quizzes, and drama. More than a contest, the festival served as a learning experience, building confidence and refining students’ artistic skills. The participants’ creative performances left a lasting impression on the audience.

Experts from Mumbai, Bhiwandi, and Solapur judged the competitions.

Awardees included Principal Saba Patel, who received the Innovative Principal Award, while Raja Baghban (Solapur) and Sajid Dolar (Malegaon) were honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award for their contributions to education and literature. Additionally, for their outstanding performances in Urdu drama and academic excellence in SSC exams, Zara Feroz Shaikh (Mira Road) and Aashna Wahid Ansari (Mumbra) received the Rising Star Award.

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Arts & Culture / by Radiance News Bureau / February 08th, 2025

Simran Skaikh’s inspirational journey from Dharavi streets to WPL

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Mumbai, MAHARASHTRA:

Simran Shaikh
Simran Shaikh

Dharavi, one of the largest slums in the world has thrown up many enterprises based on human grit and willpower; and the latest one is a 21-year-old Simran Banu Shaikh who has made it to the Women’s’ Premier League.

Simran has been picked by the UP Warriors for 10 lakhs in the first season of the WPL started on March 4.

Dharavi, spread over 550 acres is home to approximately 10 lakh people and is one of the most thickly populated human settlements in the world with a population density of 869,565 people per square mile. At a 68 percent literacy rate – the highest in any slum area – and a huge recycling a leather industry it’s also an export hub.

simran
Simran Shaikh during net practice

However, despite many ongoing schemes for the area’s development, Dharavi lacks Infrastructure and sanitation is extremely poor.

It’s amidst these circumstances that the story of Simran Sheikh unfolds and she became an example for the youth in following her dreams.

Simran played cricket since her childhood and as the girls didn’t play the sport, she played with boys in her area. When she turned 15, she found herself obsessed with cricket and yet had no idea about the growth and popularity of women’s cricket.

While playing street cricket, Simran joined the Crossway-based United Club, where under the guidance of coach ‘Romdeo Sir’, Simran learned the nuances of the game.

She also mentions the name of Sanjay Satam in helping her. He provided her with a cricket kit and would also bring her other stuff as and when she required it. “I can never forget Sanjay Satam,” she says.

simran
Simran Shaikh

There is a vast difference between street cricket and main cricket; the former is played with a Tennis ball and the latter with a heavy leather ball.

“I also agree that there is a big difference between street cricket and mainstream cricket. But I loved cricket. For my stakes were high and I embraced the change,” she told Awaz-the Voice.

To her surprise, mainstream cricket seemed easier than cricket played with a tennis ball.

Simran comes from a poor family; her father is a wireman and her parents have 7 children – four girls and three boys.

Simran said, ‘We are four sisters and three brothers. Our mother takes care of the house and our father works in wiring. I have two sisters older and the rest are younger than me.”

She said she was never interested in studies and after she failed the matriculation examination, she dropped out of school.

Simran Sheikh is a right-hand batsman and a strong leg spinner. She plays in the middle order and is known for her aggressive batting.

Her parents never stopped her from playing cricket. “Not only had my parents supported me, but even my extended family comprising uncles and aunts also did the same. I also got valuable support from my neighbours. So it has been a good journey so far.’

Simran gained experience playing local cricket tournaments in Mumbai. She also played under-19 cricket.

simran
Simran Shaikh with her team

Later she was selected for Mumbai’s senior team. “I am a batsman. I like to bat in the middle order. But in T20 cricket, I can play at any position..’

Simran adds, ‘I have risen in life due to my strong willpower. I will continue to make efforts.”

She likes Virat Kohli’s batting and Alyssa Perry of Australia in women’s cricket. In the Indian team, she follows the game of Jemima Rodrigues.

Simran says that she got a chance to interact with Indian team women players like Mithali Raj, Jhulan Goswami, Harmanpreet Singh, Smriti Mandhana, and Jemima Rodriguez during a tournament.

She has played together with Jemima for Mumbai and says that experience is invaluable for her.

On the state of women’s cricket, she said, ‘Women’s cricket has developed at the global level in the last few years. After England and Australia now T20 league is starting in India too. Bids worth crores of ruppes have been placed on women players. This will also address the financial viability of women’s cricket and help the players.’

Simran dreams of playing in the Indian women’s team and has set her eyes on being in the team that will win the World Cup for the country.

source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Story / by Jayendra Londhe, Mumbai / March 07th, 2023

Yasmeen Khan teaches children on roadside in Mumbai

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Mumbai, MAHARASHTRA :

Yasmeen with her students
Yasmeen with her students

A few mats and a blackboard make a school on a city lane for 50 kids. This footpath of V Power Gym Street in the Kanakia area of Mira Road in Mumbai attracts the attention of the passers-by but the children remain engrossed in studying and oblivious of the world passing by.

The noise of passing traffic and pedestrians does not affect the privacy of students – mostly children of construction labourers and other daily wage earners – for their minds are focused on what their Yasmeen Madam says.

Yasmin Parvez Khan, a homemaker whose husband is a manager in a  global software company, has been trying to provide basic education to children in this makeshift roadside school. She has been setting it up from 3 to 5 pm every day for the past ten years. 

She is a volunteer who wants to change the lives of children who can’t afford a regular school for various reasons; she neither runs an NGO nor is affiliated with any government agency.

awaz
Gallery of images from Yasmeem’s school

Yasmeen says: “One day I thought of doing something for these poor children. After much deliberation, I realized that no amount of monetary or material help will be of much use to them while education has the potential to change their lives and also impact the future of their families. With this idea, I started teaching two kids and today I have 50 of them.”

Yasmeen’s school is for slum children where they receive basic education and then for formal education, Yasmin Madam takes the children for admission to regular schools. This way Yasmeen plays an important role in initiating these underprivileged children into regular education by invoking their interests in studies and knowledge. “It takes time to get children from very poor families interested in education and getting their parents to understand the importance of education is no less than a harder task.”

Yasmeen says she doesn’t charge a fee but children need many things like notebooks, pencils, books, colours, bags, etc. She has an innovative idea for getting these needs of children fulfilled. Pointing to her blackboard, she says, “Whenever I need something for children, write it on the board and you will be surprised that within a short time, someone delivers it.”

To date, children have never had to wait more than half an hour to get their basic things for studies. She smiles and says that she feels happy to cook for children each Thursday and feed them. After seeing this, many passersby and neighbours have started bringing food and gifts for the children. This makes children very happy and adds to their enthusiasm.

awaz
Children enjoying meals cooked by Yasmeen Khan on a Thursday

Yasmeen Madam’s teaching sidewalk has neither walls nor roof, but education is complete. The first child who got his primary education from this footpath and reached school today has reached the 11th standard.

People are often inquisitive about Yasmin Parvez Khan, who wears a Burqa. People stop for a moment when they see a veiled woman teaching children on the sidewalk.

Yasmeen says that initially, even her family was not happy with her decision. “When I explained my point that she has to go to them and teach, they understood.”

She says: “Today, my family including my mother-in-law, father-in-law, husband, and my children support me.” Yasmeen Parvez Khan’s husband is a project manager at Wipro Company.

These days Yasmeen’s school is on Monsoon break. She is looking forward to the end of the monsoon and the resumption of her school.

source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> India / by Shantaj Khan, Pune / July 26th, 2022