Tag Archives: Muslim Women of India

Army officers Saria Abbasi, Fatima Wasim show women power in Army

Amazing Feats, Defence Services - Army, Air Force, Navy, Coast Guard, CRPF & others (wef. February 21st, 2026), Leaders, Women/Girls(since May26-2021), , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

INDIA :

Captain Saria Abbas and Captain Wasim

New Delhi :

If you thought that the marching of an all-women tri-services contingent in the Republic Day Parade was just a show-off, you need to know about two women in the Indian Army to realise how women are not only joining the Military but also get the toughest assignments by being posted on treachrous terrains and hostile borders of India.

Captain Saria Abbasi and Captain Fatima Wasim are two women army officers whose names surfaced on social media. Abbasi is posted on the post on the Line of Actual Control (LAC) the contentious working boundary with China and Fatima Wasim on a post in Siachen, the world’s highest and coldest battlefield along Pakistan.

Captain Saria Abbasi’s picture surfaced on social media after a visit of the media team to the Tawang border where India had deployed its latest acquisition anti-aircraft gun L70.

Capt Saria Abbasi on duty

Capt. Saria Abbasi briefed the media on the merits of the L-70 anti-aircraft gun with its deployment, which can target all types of unmanned aerial vehicles, helicopters, and drones.

Capt Abbasi hails from Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, and had dreamt of wearing the Army uniform as a child.

This one video and some pictures caught the attention of the entire country as people were awed by a woman in that role and the gender parity in the Indian army.

Abbasi’s unit is one of the first AD regiments in the country, equipped with 70 guns. India has deployed anti-aircraft guns L70 in Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh, amid ongoing tensions on the Indo-China border in eastern Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh.

Saria Abbasi’s father Dr. Tehseen Abbasi is associated with All India Radio, and her mother Rehana Shamim is a junior high school teacher.

The second woman whose image also captured the imagination of the country’s men is Captain Fatima Wasim of the Siachen Warriors. She created history by becoming the first woman medical officer to be deployed to an operational post on the Siachen Glacier.

Capt Fatima Wasim at Siachen

Her posting was proclaimed by the Indian Army’s Fire and Fury Corps in a post on X.

“She (Captain Fatima Wasim) was inducted to a post at an altitude of 15,200 feet after undergoing rigorous training at Siachen Battle School, which speaks of her indomitable spirit and high motivation,” Fire and Fury Corps posted on X.

The Indian Army’s Fire and Fury Corps also uploaded a video in the post to further highlight Captain Fatima Wasim’s achievement and celebrate it.

Earlier this month, Captain Geetika Koul from the Snow Leopard Brigade became the first woman medical officer of the Indian Army to be deployed at the world’s highest battlefield, Siachen, after completing the induction training at Siachen Battle School.

Siachen Glacier is known as the highest-altitude battle site in the world and is situated near the Indo-Pak Line of Control.

It is the largest glacier in India and the second-largest in the world. It is the highest battleground on earth.

Back to Saria Abbasi’s story: she is a graduate of Genetic Engineering and joined the army four years ago. She said she had no interest in engineering and was always dreaming of becoming an army officer as some of her relatives were. She was attracted to donning the olive green after listening to the stories of valour from her ‘fauji’ relatives.

Capt Abbasi with L70 Gun (released by Army)

She rejected all the job offers from big companies and focused on clearing the Combined Defence Service (CDS) competitive examination conducted by the UPSC for taking in officers for the Military.

There were only 12 seats for women and Saria cleared her examination in her second attempt. After passing the ongoing interviews held over several tours, she was selected for the training that is considered to be the toughest of all.

source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Stories / by ATV / posted by Aasha Khosa / January 30th, 2024

Kerala’s child climate warrior proposes recycled paper for passports

Amazing Feats, Community Involvement / Social Issues, Environment Initiatives / Green Heroes (wef. June 10th, 2025), Green Products, Women/Girls(since May26-2021), , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Kozhikode, KERALA :

Roohi Mohazzab at the UN Conference in Bangkok


New Delhi :

In 2023, India issued more than 13 million passports, using about 468 metric tons of paper. Globally, about 100 million passports are issued each year, requiring about 3,600 metric tons of paper—the equivalent of cutting down about 86,400 trees.

At this scale, using recycled paper passports could save thousands of trees each year and greatly reduce environmental damage. These statistics were compiled by six-year-old environmentalist Roohi Mohazzab of Kerala.

In a handwritten letter to world leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the heads of 195 countries, Roohi has asked the leaders to replace traditional passport paper with recycled paper to save trees and protect Mother Earth.

Roohi Mohazzab also set a remarkable global milestone by delivering the keynote address during the Global Conference on Education for a Sustainable Future (GCE 2026) at the United Nations Asia-Pacific Headquarters in Bangkok.

Roohi Mohazzab has taken on a challenge that many adults might never even consider – to revolutionise the way passports are made. 

Their idea is not only profound but also practical—a step that could make India the first country in the world to issue passports made from recycled paper, setting an inspiring example for global sustainability.

Roohi Mohazzab, a first-standard student of Common Ground International Academy, Kozhikode, was formally invited as a keynote speaker and SDG (Sustainable Development Goals) Impact Award winner.

The event was organised by the UNESCO Youth Education Research Centre and the Sustainable Development Council, which has special consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council ECOSOC.The conference was held at the United Nations Conference Centre, Bangkok, on 11-12 February 2026.

At the conference, the young environmental activist spoke about the devastating impacts of paper use on forests and climate change.

He stressed that a common item like a passport, which is issued in millions every year, can become a symbol of sustainability rather than being harmful to the environment.

In a symbolic moment on the UN platform, Roohi officially launched her global initiative, “The Children’s Movement for Climate Action.” The foundation aims to foster environmental responsibility and civic awareness among children so that young minds can become active participants in climate policy and sustainability solutions.

Roohi was recognised as one of the world’s youngest environmental voices and is known for her impactful local initiatives.

Other initiatives launched on the occasion:

The Country Tree Project  – Launched on World Environment Day 2025, aims to plant 10 million trees through one million school micro-nurseries.

Tree Bank Nursery Project  – Inaugurated by Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, which aims to create a green educational environment in 10,000 schools.

Recycled Paper Passports Campaign   – At the age of five, Roohi wrote a letter to Narendra Modi and 195 world leaders, recommending eco-friendly passports to save trees.

 The conference sent out a message that Children are not just the future – they are the present custodians of Mother Earth.”

source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Stories / by ATV / posted by Aasha Khosa / February 18th, 2026

From Treatment to Ethics: Three-Day Orientation at Government Tibbi College Hospital Starts Today

Science & Technology, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Patna, BIHAR :

Patna:

Government Tibbi College Hospital, Patna, will host a three-day special orientation workshop from February 16 to 18, 2026, for the trainee doctors of Batch 2020. The objective of this workshop is to practically acquaint incoming doctors with professional demands, medical laws, administrative principles, and ethical values to ensure they can fulfill their responsibilities effectively.

Under the vision of “A Glorious Past, A Bright Future,” the institution has designed this comprehensive training program.

On the first day, Dr. Mohammad Tanweer Alam will provide a detailed briefing on internship rules and regulations. Dr. Mohammad Razi Ahmad will highlight the importance of vital signs and correct examination methods, while Dr. Khesal Ahmad will explain X-ray diagnosis and study techniques in the ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) department.

This will be followed by a detailed discussion on modern diagnostic equipment and its effective use.The second and third days of the workshop will feature experts speaking on various medical topics. Dr. Mohammad Nizamuddin will provide guidance on the principles and rules of prescription writing. Dr. Shoeba Feroz Ahmad will share insights on prenatal and postnatal care, while Dr. Rizwan Ahmad will present practical tips on prenatal and postnatal emergency management. Dr. Raj Kumar Chandan will deliver a lecture on the practical use of anesthesia.

Dr. Amresh Kumar and Dr. Javed Ahmad will deliver a special address on the integration of Physiotherapy and Unani medicine in treating musculoskeletal and joint disorders.


To promote high ethical values alongside professional expertise, a special session on “Medical Ethics” will be conducted by Dr. Mohammad Nafees Iqbal.

On the final day, Dr. Aliya Parveen will hold a detailed discussion on clinical protocols related to infertility management.

The workshop will conclude with an inspiring address by Dr. Shailesh Kumar Pankaj, aimed at instilling new energy and professional commitment in the trainee doctors.


In his message, the Hospital Superintendent, Professor Dr. Shahnawaz Akhtar, stated that this workshop would prove to be a milestone for future doctors. He remarked that the institution’s goal is not merely to award degrees but to prepare physicians who are both technically skilled and ethically sound. He urged all interns to make the most of this opportunity and further refine their skills.

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Education> Latest News / by Sami Ahmad / February 16th, 2026

Born together, studied together, cracked JEE Main with same rank

Amazing Feats, Education - Gold Medallists, Toppers, Merits, Achievers (wef. June 12th, 2023), Uncategorized, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Bhubaneswar, ODISHA :

Mahroof Ahmed Khan and Masroor Ahmed Khan


Twin brothers Mahroof Ahmed Khan and Masroor Ahmed Khan from Odisha have cleared the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Main, and qualified for the advance examination which is the gateway to India’s top engineering and technical colleges, and, amazingly, with the same percentile.

As the JEE Main 2026 results were announced recently, the twins from Odisha who studied in the same coaching classes at Kota, Rajasthan, were among the successful candidates.

This success has created an atmosphere of joy and excitement among students studying in Kota, a city famous for its coaching classes for entrance of engineering colleges.

Mahroof and Masroor scored 285 out of 300 in the JEE Main 2026. What’s more remarkable is that these two brothers had studied at the same coaching institute in Kota and wrote the exam together.

Mahroof said, “I have been in Kota since class 10, attending the coaching material for three years. I followed the class lectures and took regular tests. I would review and revise my doubts again and again. I also got motivation from my brother. There were always ups and downs, but I always remained motivated. We both studied together from the beginning. Our study time was also the same. We both used to sit on the same study table and motivate each other. We learnt a lot from each other.

Mahroof and Masroor’s family, especially their mother, Dr Zeenat Begum, a gynaecologist in the Odisha government, has been a great support to the brothers. She left her job to support her children’s education. Three years ago, she moved to Kota to live with them.

Mahroof and Masroor with their mother Dr Zeenat Begum

Dr Zeenat not only provided mental and emotional support to her boys, but also kept their morale high when they scored low in tests.

Her constant refrain to her children was, “Don’t be discouraged by low scores; work hard and move forward.”

Interestingly, Maharoof and Masroor also studied in the same school till their 10th grade. Mahroof scored 95.2 per cent and Masroor 97.2 per cent.

Their dream is to study Computer Science at IIT Bombay.

Maharuf and Masroor’s success wasn’t limited to the JEE Main. They also performed exceptionally well in national and international Olympiads, winning over 30 gold medals.

After their JEE Main success, Mahroof and Masroor are now focused on the JEE Advanced.

Their goal is to study Computer Science at IIT Bombay. They believe that with the right amount of hard work and focus, any success is achievable. Now, they are fully focused on preparing for their upcoming exam, and they are ready to work hard to achieve this goal.

source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Stories / by Onika Maheshwari, New Delhi / February 18th, 2026

A doughty warrior builds a mosque for women

Community Involvement / Social Issues, Women/Girls(since May26-2021), , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Lucknow, UTTAR PRADESH :

Mosques in Hindi heartland states are an exclusive male preserve. Though Islam doesn’t barentry of women into mosques, they are scrupulously kept away from the holy precincts all across north India. But Amber Mosque in the outskirts of Lucknow challenges this shibboleth. It was founded and built by Ms. Shaista Ambar, a social activist from Lucknow who wouldn’t take such taboos lying down.

Wife of a bureaucrat in Uttar Pradesh, Shaista conceived the idea of a mosque where women could also offer namaz alongside men, in 1995. As a young woman, Shaista would take up social causes during the 1980s and 90s. Construction of a mosque was certainly not on her mental screen. But the rebel in her got awakened when she took a child inside a mosque to introduce him to the collective prayers.

For the imam the sight of woman inside the mosque was no less than a sacrilege. She was ordered out. The outrageous behaviour left a deep imprint on her. Beating a hasty retreat, she vowed to build a mosque where both men and women could pray. She drove straight to Nadwatul Uloom, the world famous centre of Islamic learning in Lucknow seeking an audience with Maulana Ali Miyan, the 7th Chancellor of the seminary and a world re nowned scholar of Islam.

The revered Maulana signalled her to go ahead pledging his full support. Pouring the family’s savings, a 26,000 square feet plot of land was bought in Teli Bagh, 15 kms away from the city centre on the road going to Rae Bareli. She sold away her car and ornaments to raise the required funds. The move gathered support from wider circle of relatives and acquaintances.

Lo and behold! The mosque came up opposite the trauma care centre of the Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences. And it was none other than Maulana Ali Miyan Nadwi who presided over the consecration of the mosque in 1999. (He passed away on December 31, 1999). The mosque can host a congregation of over a thousand persons on a Friday when doughty Shaista Amber ensures her weekly presence.

She presides over the committee taking care of the mosque as the chief mutawalli with several other members of the family. She has resolutely stood against traditional maulvis taking over the management of the mosque. There have been pleas to start a madrassa (Islamic theological school) within the precincts.

She has declined permission and has instead started a dharamshala (stay-homes for wayfarers) within the boundary of the mosque where women attendants of inmates at the Sanjay Gandhi Institute find accommodation at a very reasonable rent. And they could belong to any faith. She says Uttar Pradesh has several thousands of madrassas but no dharamshalas and other such key civic facilities set up by Muslims.

The mosque is open for namaz to Sunnis as well as Shias, the major sects within Muslims. The mosque also runs a counselling centre where family disputes, mainly post-marital, are referred for resolution. Shaista has had differences with the All India Muslim Personal Law Board on several issues pertaining to women’s rights in Islam.

Critical about the rigidity on its outmoded stances, she and several of her supporters set up the All India Muslim Women Personal Law Board nearly a decade ago. The Board has appreciated the law banning the practice of triple talaq at one sitting and has suggested several progressive reforms. One who completed her graduation from the Aligarh Muslim University and later acquired Adib and Kamil certificates, Shaista has willed that her two daughters and son would look after the management of the mosque after her passing away.

Shaista came visiting Bengaluru last May at the invitation of the Azim Premji University for a seminar where this author had a chance meeting as a participant. Log onto www.shaista ambar.com for an overview of her vision and activities. 

source: http://www.newstrailindia.com / News Trail / Home / by M A Siraj / October 19th, 2025

Celebrating Unsung Heroes: Indian Muslim Changemakers

Amazing Feats, Arts & Crafts / CraftsPersons (wef. January 14th, 2025), Community Involvement / Social Issues, Leaders, NRI's / PIO's, Women/Girls(since May26-2021), World Opinion, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

INDIA :

AI generated image

Amid our fast-paced lives, there exists a remarkable group of individuals who believe in slow, steady, and consistent efforts to create meaningful change.

These individuals are known as changemakers—people who quietly dedicate themselves to bettering society, far from the spotlight and the noise of daily routine.

They don’t seek fame or recognition. Instead, they focus on making a positive impact in their communities. Often unheard of, these changemakers influence others through their actions, values, and vision for a better world.

Awaz–The Voice is proud to launch a special series starting this Sunday, spotlighting Indian Muslim changemakers of India.

Through their inspiring stories, we aim to shine a light on individuals whose work exemplifies compassion, dedication, and innovation.

Our editorial team has carefully selected these changemakers based on several parameters, including the authenticity of their efforts and the tangible impact they have made.

These are everyday heroes who are addressing pressing social, environmental, and economic challenges—often with limited resources but unwavering commitment.

They are improving access to education, healthcare, and sanitation; they are empowering women, protecting the environment, and uplifting their communities—all without expecting any rewards or recognition. For them, the satisfaction of doing good is reward enough.

Their actions may seem small, but their impact is profound. As the saying goes, “Every drop counts in making an ocean.” Each changemaker is a vital part of the wave of progress that is quietly transforming India.

One of our key criteria in identifying these individuals was whether they are creating tangible change or inspiring others to become changemakers themselves. For us, a changemaker is someone who brings positivity into the world through innovative solutions, leadership, and a commitment to improving lives and systems.

In a world that often celebrates loud success, we believe it’s important to pause and acknowledge those who uphold the highest ideals of humanity. These changemakers serve as a moral compass, reminding us of our own responsibilities to society and to one another.

We begin our series with changemakers from Uttar Pradesh, featuring stories like that of Capt. Saria Abbasi, who dreamt of joining the Indian Armed Forces from a young age. After earning her engineering degree and receiving multiple job offers, she chose instead to follow her dream and joined the Indian Army—becoming a role model for countless Muslim women aspiring to serve the nation. She has done challenging missions like serving at Indo-China border post at Tawang in October 2021.

Rubina Rashid Ali, who lives in Aligarh Muslim University’s campus has become a champion for women earning their livelihood out of applique (ornamental needlework in which pieces of fabric are sewn or stuck). She has stood up for them to ensure that these women from poor backgrounds get the wages they deserve.

The changemakers of India

Dr Farha Usmani, a medical practitioner who hails from Aligarh, went to US to pursue her career in the United Nations Population Fund in 2007. Leaving behind her family was a tough call for her. She is the only Muslim woman to have risen to the position of director in the UNFPA. Today, she is making world policies for women’s health and rights. She is the Vice President of SAFAR, an organization that is responsible for the overall advancement and rights of minority and marginalized women and girls in India. 

Another inspiring figure is Babban Mian, a businessman who runs a large gaushala (cow shelter) in Bulandshahar, caring for hundreds of cows. Inspired by his late mother’s deep affection for animals, Babban Mian’s work also challenges stereotypes and promotes harmony by offering a different perspective on the Muslim community’s relationship with animal care.

Some of the changemakers will remind you of characters straight from Indian folklore and vernacular literature. People who have been nurtured by Indian civilizational values of compassion and selflessness.

Through these stories and many more, we hope to inspire our readers and celebrate the quiet revolution being led by changemakers who are shaping a better, more inclusive India.

We’d love to hear your thoughts on this series. Write to us at input@awazthevoice.in or engage with us on our social media platforms.

The author is the Editor-in-Chief of Awaz-the Voice portal

source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Stories / by Atir Khan, Editor-in-Chief, Awaz-the Voice portal / May 22nd, 2025

AMU Remote Sensing and GIS Students Achieve National, Global Recognition

Education - Gold Medallists, Toppers, Merits, Achievers (wef. June 12th, 2023), Science & Technology, Scientists (wef. August 27th,m 2023), World Opinion, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Aligarh, UTTAR PRADESH :

Aligarh:

Students of the Interdisciplinary Department of Remote Sensing and GIS Applications at Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) have earned prestigious academic admissions and professional placements at leading institutions in India and abroad, underscoring the department’s growing reputation in geospatial sciences.

At the international level, Ms Areena has been selected for a PhD programme at the University of Waikato, New Zealand. Meanwhile, Mr Md Zaid Qamar has secured admission to the International PhD Programme under the UNESCO Chair in Environment, Resource and Sustainable Development at Parthenope University of Naples, Italy.

On the national front, Mr Ahsan Sayeed has gained admission to the PhD programme in Geomatics at IIT Guwahati. Additionally, Ms Mantasha, Mr Tauheed Ahmad Ansari and Mr Zuhail Abdullah have been selected as Junior Resource Persons at the National Institute of Hydrology, Roorkee.

The department’s students have also made notable strides in the corporate sector. Ms Shaista Perween has been appointed Assistant Manager at Tata Steel Limited in Jamshedpur, while Ms Juveriya Aqeel has secured a position with WSP in Bengaluru with an attractive remuneration package.

Congratulating the students on their accomplishments, Dr Haris Hasan Khan, Chairman of the department, said the achievements reflect both the students’ dedication and the department’s strong academic and research ecosystem in remote sensing and geospatial sciences.

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Education> Latest News / by Radiance News Bureau / February 12th, 2026

Srinagar’s Arouba Kabir bags International Business Award

Business & Economy, Karnataka (under research project), Women/Girls(since May26-2021), , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Srinagar, JAMMU & KASHMIR :

Srinagar :

Enso Wellness – A Platform for Mental and Emotional Health of Bangalore has been awarded the best online platform by International Business Awards 2022-2023.

Mental and emotional health needs and deserves more and more recognition in today’s era to remove the stigma attached to it, says Arouba Kabir Founder, Enso Wellness.

Born in Kashmir, Arouba Kabir setup her organisation in Gurgaon in 2015 with an aim to spread more awareness and become a one-stop solution for those who have been struggling with the issues and challenges of emotional and mental health.

“Pandemic changed the definition and made it globally possible for people to ask for help by using online platforms keeping their identity anonymous as reaching out to a mental health professional is still a stigma,” Arouba said.

Her organization is known for hosting many online series- like Stand up to Stigma, One-minute Mental Health, Ask the Doctor with eminent personalities from across the globe and conducts various online and offline workshops for Kashmiris in the last five years.

“Mental health is as important as physical health-one definitely impacts the other. We need to start talking about mental health as we do talk about physical health and make it normal for people to reach out for help when they need it.”

“And if you want to see the change, we have to be the change, so talking about your emotions, challenges, struggles and visiting a professional definitely does help make it normal,” she said.

source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Stories / by ATV, posted by Nakul Shivani / December 13th, 2022

Muslims who dominated headlines in 2021

Amazing Feats, Bharat Ratna, Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, Padma Shri Award (since January 01st, 2024), Community Involvement / Social Issues, COVID 19 - Community of Soldiers, Education - Gold Medallists, Toppers, Merits, Achievers (wef. June 12th, 2023), Leaders, Science & Technology, Scientists (wef. August 27th,m 2023), Sports, Women/Girls(since May26-2021), , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

INDIA :

Danish Siddiqui in Afghanistan

As the year draws to an end, we have compiled a brief list of the Indian Muslims who have been in news during 2021.

Danish Siddiqui :

Danish Siddiqui was a Pulitzer Award winning photojournalist from New Delhi, who was killed by Taliban while covering the war in Afghanistan. An alumnus of Jamia Millia Islamia, Siddiqui was one of the country’s most well known photographers who documented the Rohingya refugee crisis, Covid deaths and the Delhi riots to win several awards. In July 2021, Reuters assigned him documentation of the Afghanistan War as an embedded journalist with Afghan Special Forces. On July 16, Siddiqui was killed in action. Governments of India, USA, Afghanistan and United Nations expressed grief and shock on his death and thousands joined his funeral procession in DelhI.

Dr Shahid Jameel :

Dr. Shahid Jameel is a world renowned virologist and is one of the leaders of India’s fight against Covid-19. The Covid-19 outbreak has thrown new challenges to the scientific community. When the Government of India set up an Indian Sars-Cov-2 Genomics Sequencing Consortium (INSACOG), which consists of 38 laboratories to monitor the genomic variations in the SARS-CoV-2, Jameel was appointed as the head of its scientific advisory group. He served the INSACOG in this position till May, 2021 and still advises different government and non-government bodies in strategising the war against Covid-19. 

Coach Naseem Ahmed with Olympian Neeraj Chopra

Naseem Ahmed :

Naseem Ahmed: On 7 August, 2021, Neeraj Chopra threw Javelin for 87.58 mts. and became the first Indian to win an Olympic Gold in track and field events. With this success, Naseem Ahmed of Panchkula also hit the headlines. Ahmed was his first coach, who coached Chopra for almost six years at Tau Devi Lal Sports Complex in Panchkula. It was under his guidance that Chopra turned into an athlete from a chubby child. After returning to India, Chopra went to meet and receive blessings from his coach.

Mohammad Shareef alias Shareef Chacha receiving Padma Shri from President Ran Nath Kovind

Mohammad Shareef :

Mohammad Shareef is a bicycle mechanic from Faizabad, Ayodhya and hit the news headlines this year for receiving Padma Shri, the fourth highest civilian award in India, from the President Ram Nath Kovind. In 1992, his son was murdered and was eaten by animals as nobody claimed it. This incident moved him so much that he took it upon himself to perform the last rights of unclaimed dead bodies. In the last 28 years, he has performed the last rights of more than 25,000 unclaimed dead bodies according to their religions.

Firoz Alam as an IPS officer (Left) and as a Constable of the Delhi Police (Right)

Firoz Alam :

Firoz Alam’s story is straight out of a fiction, where his character bears resemblance to those played on screen by several film stars. Alam, a resident of Hapur in U.P, was a constable with Delhi Police since 2010. In 2014, he started preparing for UPSC CSE. The work pressure and family responsibilities did not allow him to devote full time to the studies, like many availing coachings could do. After five unsuccessful attempts, in his sixth attempt he qualified UPSC CSE and joined as an IPS officer. His inspiring journey from a constable to IPS had taken the nation by a storm when he joined the training after leaving the job as constable.

Sadaf Choudhary 

Sadaf Choudhary :

Sadaf Choudhary came into limelight when the UPSC CSE results were declared in September and she secured 23rd rank. She was the highest rank holder among Muslims this year and will become an IAS officer. It must be kept in mind that since independence only 179 Muslims have secured ranks to get IAS allotted to them.

Mohammed Siraj praying at the gave of his father

Mohammed Siraj :

Mohammed Siraj is an Indian cricketer from Hyderabad who made it to the headlines in January by becoming the highest wicket taker from India during the India – Australia Test Match Series in Australia. To claim his 13 scalps, he played only three of the four tests in the series. The fact that his father had died just before the series and he was given an option to return to the country, which he declined citing his commitment to the nation made it even more special.

In the last test match at Brisbane, he bagged five Australian wickets to script a historic win and became a national hero. The headlines of the sports column were filled with his heroics, commitment and ability. Since then he has been a regular feature of the Indian Cricket team as a pacer. 

source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Stories / by Saquib Salim / December 30th, 2021

Bhiwandi girl studying MBBS in Ukraine staying in bunker requests for help from Indian government

Ukraine Updates, Students (Feb. 2022), Women/Girls(since May26-2021), , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Bhiwandi (Thane District), MAHARASHTRA :

Muskaan Firoz Shaikh

Bhiwandi: 

A 21-year-old third year student pursuing MBBS in UKraine shared a video with her family about a group staying in the bunker of their college. Muskaan Firoz Shaikh contacted the Indian embassy for help but they asked to stay here at the same place and said they will reach.

Muskaan’s father Firoz who is working with the Bhiwandi-Nizampur city municipal corporation claims the family is tensed as the attack is going on in the nearby areas.

“She is staying inside the bunker of Bhuko Vibiyan University in Ukraine. Muskaan said there are around 150 students inside who are from across the countries. While, around 7 of them are from Delhi and Gujarat,” said Asma Shaikh, her mother who are from Padgha in Bhiwandi.

Asma through a video had appealed to the Indian government to help her daughter who is stuck inside a bunker.

Navid Shaikh, her maternal brother, claims Muskaan had approached the Indian embassy for help. “But in reply they told her to stay at the same place for a while. Till the help reached them as they were on the way. Muskaan is in regular touch with her parents and is scared as the attacks are going on in the nearby area,” added Naved.

Muskaan had shared a video with her family which shows the person shooting it. Later, the camera reached a room where three girls including Muskan were seen holding a Persian cat. The video was shared by muskaan to confirm the parents about her safety.

Naved Shaikh said they have been staying in the bunker for the last three days. “Usually they are at home and cook food. As soon as the siren buzzes they get inside the bunker. They either stay for three hours or full night in the bunker. It depends when the siren buzzes again to give a signal about the safety and they move out. But they are staying in with fear and threat to life and need immediate help. Just like others our sister too can reach home safely if the Indian government helps them,” added Naved Shaikh.

source: http://www.freepressjournal.in / The Free Press Jounal / Home> Mumbai / by Faisal Tandel / February 22nd, 2022