Tag Archives: Muslim Women of India

UPSC Civil Services Result 2025 Out: Full List of Muslim Toppers

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INDIA :

As many as 53 Muslims figured in the list of 958 candidates who emerged toppers in the Civil Services 2025 exams results of which was declared by the UPSC Friday March 06, 2026.

UPSC Civil Services Result 2025: 

As many as 53 Muslims figured in the list of 958 candidates who emerged toppers in the Civil Services 2025 exams results of which was declared by the UPSC Friday March 06, 2026.

As many as 04 Muslims – A R Rajah Mohaideen, Ifra Shams Ansari, Nabiya Parvez and Hassan Khan, figured in the coveted list of Top 100.

The result of Muslims in the Civil Services 2025 exams has improved as compared to the last year when only 26 Muslims had made to the final list.

List of Muslim Toppers with Ranks

1. 7 – 0818306 – A R Rajah Mohaideen
2. 24 – 6409132 – Ifra Shams Ansari
3. 29 – 0806993 – Nabiya Parvez
4. 95 – 0807895 – Hassan Khan
5. 124 – 0323682 – Arfa Usmani
6. 135 – 0607625 – Khan Saima Seraj Ahmed
7. 157 – 0851961 – Wasim Ur Rahman
8. 253 – 0413785 – Sophia Siddiqui
9. 254 – 1801309 – Towseef Ahmad Ganaie
10. 307 – 0830255 – Mantasha
11. 321 – 5811575 – Asad Aqeel
12. 354 – 4116180 – Md Ishteyaque Rahman
13. 382 – 6315003 – Mohammed Ashmil Shah
14. 411 – 1201049 – Shahida Begum S
15. 415 – 0841896 – Shadab Ali Khan
16. 429 – 1412531 – Muhammed Swalah T A
17. 455 – 6303619 – Shoiab
18. 478 – 6408494 – Nazia Parween
19. 485 – 1210110 – Sheik Mohamed Habisudeen S
20. 497 – 1912530 – Sheik Mohamed Nishath M
21. 513 – 5404215 – Minhaj Shakeel
22. 535 – 2105608 – Gulfiza
23. 549 – 6418492 – Hashmi Mohammad Umar
24. 575 – 0864413 – Sharukh Khan
25. 576 – 1907730 – Asna Anwar
26. 581 – 1804448 – Muneeb Afzal Parrah
27. 588 – 6405397 – Azeem Ahmad
28. 614 – 6421470 – Saista Parwin
29. 625 – 8003085 – Noor Alam
30. 646 – 6408831 – Mohd Irfan Kayamkhani
31. 648 – 2602406 – Mohsina Bano
32. 663 – 3402501 – Ghulam Maya Din
33. 665 – 2626864 – Danish Rabbani Khan
34. 668 – 5803808 – Md Nayab Anjum
35. 671 – 6407027 – Mohd Abuzar Ansari
36. 678 – 1139935 – Insa Khan
37. 695 – 5703524 – Abdul Sufiyan K
38. 708 – 2402117 – Fairuz Fathima M
39. 713 – 1904976 – Mohamed Hashim K
40. 718 – 1902416 – Muhammed Suhail
41. 741 – 0328051 – Thousif Ulla Khan
42. 763 – 3403061 – Koh E Safa
43. 764 – 0619109 – Sana Azmi
44. 773 – 4002952 – Reshma M
45. 811 – 3409679 – Yassar Ahmed Bhatti
46. 832 – 3401291 – Ghulam Haider
47. 860 – 1913151 – Mohamed Shezin C P
48. 869 – 3402386 – Mohd Ajaz Ul Rehman
49. 886 – 1804050 – Azhar Asif Khan
50. 936 – 3409886 – Mohd Sarfraz Choudhary
51. 942 – 1224289 – Abdulla Afridh A
52. 955 – 8001862 – Md Shahid Raza Khan
53. 957 – 0869957 – Irfan Ahmed Lone
54 and 55. It now turned out that there are also “Jahana Sareen V P” – having roll number 5702338 and All India Rank 511, and Shiyad, having roll number 1907064 and rank 743, should also be included in the list.

(Disclaimer: The UPSC does not reveal the religious identity of candidates. The above list has been compiled based on the names of candidates as mentioned in the UPSC Main result released by the Commission. Few names are Muslim sounding but are also used by people belonging to more than one religion. Accrodingly, this list is not final. Also some names might have been missing from the list, or if included, they might not be necessarily a Muslim.

UPSC Civil Services Toppers

The UPSC declared the list of UPSC CSE Toppers based on the result of the written part of Civil Services Examination, 2025 held by the Union Public Service Commission in August, 2025 and the interviews for Personality Test held in December, 2025 – February, 2026.

Anuj Agnihotri has secured All India Rank 1 (AIR 1), and is UPSC Civil Services 2025 All India Topper. Rajeshwari Suve M has bagged the All India Rank 2 (AIR2) and Akansh Dhull has secured the 3rd position (AIR3).

The toppers have been recommended for various Civil Services posts including Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS), Indian Police Service (IPS) and Central Services, Group ‘A’ and Group ‘B’.

Of the total 958 CSE Toppers 2025, 317 are General candidates, 104 EWS, 306 OBC, 158 SC, and 73 ST.

UPSC Civil Services Result 2025 – Top 25

1. 1131589 Anuj Agnihotri
2. 4000040 Rajeshwari Suve M
3. 3512521 Akansh Dhull
4. 0834732 Raghav Jhunjhunwala
5. 0409847 Ishan Bhatnagar
6. 6410067 Zinnia Aurora
7. 0818306 A R Rajah Mohaideen
8. 0843487 Pakshal Secretry
9. 0831647 Astha Jain
10. 1523945 Ujjwal Priyank
11. 1512091 Yashaswi Raj Vardhan
12. 0840280 Akshit Bhardwaj
13. 7813999 Ananya Sharma
14. 5402316 Surabhi Yadav
15. 3507500 Simrandeep Kaur
16. 0867445 Monika Srivastava
17. 0829589 Chitwan Jain
18. 5604518 Sruthii R
19. 0105602 Nisar Dishant Amrutlal
20. 6630448 Ravi Raaz
21. 5810539 Shubham Singh
22. 0865516 Geetika Arora
23. 1018309 Jeenu Sri Jaswanth Chandra
24. 6409132 Ifra Shams Ansari
25. 3522397 Bhavika Chopra

Performance of Muslims in Civil Services Since 2009

In 2024, a total of 26 Muslims figured in the list of 1,009 candidates who emerged toppers in the Civil Services 2024 exams result of which was declared by the UPSC on April 22, 2025.

In 2023, a total of 1,016 candidates were recommended by the Union Public Service Commission for different Civil Services posts. Of them 51 were Muslims.

In 2022, a total number of 933 candidates were recommended for IAS, IPS, IFS, IRS and other civil services posts. Of them 30 were Muslims.

In 2021, a total of 685 were recommended in the UPSC Civil Services 2021 Merit List. Of them, 21 were Muslims. This was the worst performance of Muslim candidates in a decade.

On ther hand, a total of 31 Muslims had cracked the Civil Services Exam (CSE), also known as IAS exam, in 2020 when UPSC had recommended 761 candidates for the top CS posts.

In 2019, 42 Muslims had cracked the exam whereas in 2018 just 27 Muslims had made it to the final result.

The years 2016 and 2017 were the brightest period for Muslim candidates. In 2016, 52 Muslims figured in the list of successful candidates whereas in 2017 their tally was 50.

In 2015, 34 Muslims were among the 1,078 candidates recommended by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) whereas 38 Muslims were in the list of total 1,236 candidates in 2014.

In 2013, a total of 34 Muslims had cleared the exam, whereas in 2012, 30 Muslims were among the successful candidates, four of them were among top 100.

Similarly in 2012, 30 Muslims were among the successful candidates and in 2011, 31 Muslims were among the 920 selected for the civil services.

Likewise, in 2010 among the 875 successful candidates 21 were Muslims with Dr. Shah Faisal of Kashmir topping the exam at the national level.

In 2009, a total of 31 Muslims were in the list of 791 successful candidates.

source: http://www.ummid.com / Ummid.com / Home> Education & Career / by ummid.com news network / March 09th, 2026

Shama Mohammad: Battling patriarchy and breaking barriers

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Cherukollayi (Kannur District), KERALA :

Shama Mohammad, AICC spokesperson

Shama Mohammad, AICC spokesperson and now over a decade in politics, knows all too well the obstacles women face in Indian politics. The numbers speak for themselves: despite the passage of the Women’s Reservation Bill, no Muslim woman from Congress was given a Lok Sabha ticket in 2024, and only two serve as MLAs nationally.

“The biggest obstacles for a woman to progress or survive in politics, especially in Kerala, are men,” she says bluntly. “When I started my journey in Kerala district politics, men in the party felt I can’t make it. And when I started making it, they didn’t like it.”

Shama lists three roadblocks on her way: “First, I am not a dynast, second, I am a woman, and third, I’m a Muslim.”

Unlike Congress, Muslim women like Sofia Firdous in Odisha or Kaneez Fatima in Karnataka, both backed by political families, Shama has no dynastic support. “You won’t find a single Muslim woman in politics who is fighting her way ahead on her own,” she says.

While a party like the Trinamul Congress has actively promoted women — with three out of its five MPs in West Bengal being women — Congress continues to lag,” she adds. (Trinamul Congress has the highest representation of women in Lok Sabha at 38 per cent compared to 13 per cent women by Congress and BJP.)

Her journey into politics didn’t happen overnight. A dentist and then a reporter with ZEE News, Shama grew up in Kuwait, watching debates on BBC, Al Jazeera and other channels with her father, who was passionate about world affairs. “The interest I have today is inherent, as politics is ingrained in my family,” she says.

Known today as a feisty and articulate spokesperson, she developed her political voice over years of actively taking an interest in national and international news, watching and then taking part in media debates, and later, hands-on work in Kerala district politics.

Her media career eventually brought her closer to politics. “I remember watching Manish Sharma, Abhishek Manu Singhvi — my colleagues in AICC now — fighting it out in a war of words on TV evening after evening,” she recalls.

While her job at ZEE News didn’t give her much chance to cover politics, her colleagues recognised her passion, and one of them sent her to meet Randeep Surjewala in the Congress media department. She was soon working for the party, travelling between Pune, where her husband and children were, and Delhi for television debates. “There was no Zoom or Skype then; one had to be physically present for the debates,” she says.

Amidst her work in the media department, she also decided to start working at the district level for the party in her home state of Kerala. But that came with its own challenges.  “All this took a huge toll on my children,” she admits. Her elder son was just 14, and her younger was 11 at the time. “But work meant leaving them even as my husband was away in Abu Dhabi again.” Balancing family and political ambitions was a struggle, yet she persisted.

Despite the hurdles, Shama’s commitment to change pushed her on. “I came to politics because I saw rapists, extortionists, and other anti-social elements in Parliament, and we only complain without doing anything about it. So, I wanted to be part of the change,” she says. As a Muslim, she has faced criticism for her faith and assumptions about her patriotism. But this has only made her more resilient: “Because I’m a Muslim, I have to go to Pakistan, I’m a jihadi, I’m anti-national… and I have to take all this,” she adds.

While her progress within the party remains limited due to patriarchy, Shama has turned her energy to grassroots work in Kannur, Kerala, through her Zoya Charitable Trust. “Why I came to politics was to help people, and my trust is in doing precisely that,” she says.

The trust, started in 2018, initially focused on renovating schools, especially following the floods of 2019. It has recently launched a sports school in the district, best known for athlete PT Usha, and another sports school is coming up with funding from the Panchsheel Group, a real estate group. Beyond sports, the trust works on healthcare, education, and women’s empowerment.

Asked what she would like to change about Congress, Shama doesn’t hold back: “Give more tickets to women. Give capable and hardworking women representation as the TMC does.” She knows change is slow, but remains undeterred. “Kerala has 51 per cent women, and if I’m sidelined, I take it as a challenge,” she says. For Shama, being a Muslim and a woman in politics is not just a struggle; it’s a motivation for her to keep pushing, both within her  party and through her work at the grassroots.

With Kerala heading once again into election mode, the left-led coalition and the Congress-led coalition will be pitted against each other. Whether her words and vision for women’s representation in politics will become reality remains to be seen, but Shama Mohammad continues her journey, determined to make a difference.

source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Stories / by Sreelatha Menon / March 09th, 2026

Maximum words written in 5 minutes by a teen using Arabic calligraphy

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Ernakulam, KERALA :

The record for writing the maximum number of words in 5 minutes using Arabic calligraphy was set by Nourin Noufal P.N. (born on August 31, 2004) of Ernakulam, Kerala.

She neatly wrote 15 words on different sheets of paper in 5 minutes with a marker pen, using Arabic calligraphy, at the age of 18 years, 10 months and 11 days, as confirmed on July 11, 2023.

source: http://www.indiabookofrecords.in / India Book of Records / Home> Human Story / by IBR Team / August 18th, 2023

Lalu Keeps His Promise: Shahabuddin’s Son Osama Fielded from Raghunathpur

Community Involvement / Social Issues, Leaders, , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

BIHAR :

Siwan strongman late Shahabuddin’s wife, Hina Shahab, had personally appealed for her son’s electoral debut in Bihar politics

New Delhi / Patna :

Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad Yadav has fulfilled his long-standing promise to the family of late party strongman Mohammad Shahabuddin. The RJD has announced Osama Shahab, son of the late leader, as its official candidate from Raghunathpur constituency in Siwan district.

The announcement came on Tuesday as part of the RJD’s list of candidates for several key constituencies. Along with Osama Shahab, Awadh Bihari Chaudhary has been fielded from Siwan, while Akhtarul Shaheen has been given the ticket from Samastipur.

Party insiders said that Lalu Yadav had made a personal commitment to Hina Shahab, widow of the late Shahabuddin, to give her son an opportunity in active politics. Hina had met both Lalu Prasad and Tejashwi Yadav earlier this year, urging them to consider Osama for the Raghunathpur seat.

After that meeting, she had told reporters: “Raghunathpur is our traditional seat. My husband served the people here with loyalty and commitment. I want my son Osama to continue his legacy.”

According to party sources, Lalu Yadav had assured her during that meeting that her request would be honoured, a promise now fulfilled.

In a significant show of loyalty to the party leadership, sitting MLA Harishankar Yadav stepped aside to make way for Osama Shahab. Harishankar, who had won the seat twice for RJD, reportedly agreed without hesitation when asked to vacate it for the late leader’s son.

“I have complete faith in Lalu ji’s decision. Osama is young and carries the legacy of a great leader. The people of Raghunathpur will support him,” Harishankar said.

The Raghunathpur seat is considered one of RJD’s strongholds in Siwan, having been dominated by the party for several years. Political observers believe Lalu’s move is both emotional and strategic, aiming to consolidate Muslim-Yadav votes and rekindle Shahabuddin’s once formidable influence in the region.

Mohammad Shahabuddin, once regarded as a powerful figure in Siwan politics and a close aide of Lalu Prasad Yadav, passed away in 2021 due to COVID-19 complications while in prison. His death left a void in the RJD’s local leadership.

Now, with Osama entering the fray, many in Siwan see it as a revival of Shahabuddin’s political legacy.

Local RJD workers gathered outside Hina Shahab’s residence in celebration after the announcement.

“This is not just a political decision; it’s an emotional one. The people of Siwan still remember Shahabuddin Sahab for his service and strength. His son will carry that name forward,” said Mohammad Arif, a local party worker.

Political experts view this development as a calculated move by Lalu Yadav to strengthen RJD’s traditional support base. Prof NK Sinha, a Patna-based political analyst, commented, “The decision to give Osama the ticket is more about legacy politics. The Shahabuddin family still commands strong emotional ties in Siwan.”

Meanwhile, supporters of Osama have started campaigning energetically in the constituency. Posters of Osama with his father’s image have appeared across Raghunathpur, with slogans reading “Waqt aa gaya hai, Shahabuddin ka beta aa gaya hai” (The time has come, Shahabuddin’s son has arrived).

Osama Shahab and his mother Hina Shahab officially joined RJD in October 2024, ending years of speculation about their political future. Hina, who had contested earlier elections as an independent, had repeatedly expressed her faith in Lalu Yadav’s leadership.

Speaking to media persons after the announcement, she said with tears in her eyes, “Lalu ji has honoured his word. My son will serve the people just like his father did. This is a moment of pride for our family.”

The coming election will determine whether Osama Shahab can uphold the legacy of his father, a man both feared and admired in equal measure, and re-establish the Shahabuddin family’s political influence in Siwan.

source: http://www.clarionindia.net / Clarion India / Home> Politics / by Mohammad Bin Ismail / October 16th, 2025

Turning Failures into Success: UP’s Anjum Ara Tops Judicial Service Exam

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Prayagraj, UTTAR PRADESH :

Educated at Allahabad University, the daughter of a State Bank of India officer credits self-study, family support and disciplined preparation to secure first rank

New Delhi :

In a story of determination, faith and steady hard work, Anjum Ara from Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh has secured first rank in the Chhattisgarh Provincial Judicial Service Examination, becoming a judge and bringing pride to her home state. Her success has been widely celebrated in Prayagraj, where neighbours and well-wishers described her achievement as a moment of honour for the city.

Anjum, who comes from an educated Muslim family, said her journey was shaped by a personal loss that changed the direction of her life. Her uncle, whom she lovingly called Bade Abu, served as an Additional District Judge. His death left a deep impact on her and inspired her to choose the path of judicial service. “I used to call him Bade Abu,” Anjum recalled. “After he passed away, I made up my mind that I would become a judge like him and serve society.”

She completed her early schooling at Central Academy in Jhunsi town in Prayagraj District before pursuing her BA and LLB from the University of Allahabad. Reflecting on her university years, Anjum said the Law Faculty played a major role in shaping her approach towards legal studies. “The Law Faculty taught me to understand the law, not just memorise it,” she said. “Our professors focused on practical learning. That helped me a lot in the judicial exams.” She added that because of the strong academic environment at the university, she did not feel the need to rely on costly coaching institutes. “If your basics are clear, you can prepare on your own,” she said.

Her father, Shamim Ahmed, works as an assistant manager at the State Bank of India, while her mother, Akhtari Begum, is a homemaker. Anjum described her parents as her biggest support system. She said her preparation was entirely self-driven and disciplined. “I studied five to six hours every day with full focus,” she explained. 

For the mains examination, she focused strongly on judgment writing. She regularly practised answer writing and carefully studied judgments delivered by local courts in Chhattisgarh to understand how decisions are framed. “I practised writing answers regularly. I also studied judgments from local courts in Chhattisgarh to understand how decisions are structured,” she said. She also credited her habit of reading newspapers daily for helping her during the interview stage. “Current affairs helped me respond confidently,” she added.

At home, her family ensured that her studies were never disturbed. “They made sure there was no noise while I studied. They always encouraged me, especially when I failed in the Rajasthan and Delhi judicial exams,” Anjum said. Her father said the family never allowed disappointment to take over. “We always believed in her ability. Failure is part of life. We told her not to lose hope,” he said. Her mother added, “She worked very hard day and night. We only tried to give her a calm environment.”

Before achieving success in Chhattisgarh, Anjum faced setbacks in other states. She admitted that those failures were painful but also important lessons. “Failures taught me where I was lacking,” she said. “Instead of getting upset, I improved my answer writing and strengthened my understanding of the law.” Her perseverance paid off when the results were declared and she secured the top rank in the state.

Residents in Prayagraj expressed pride in her achievement. A neighbour said, “This is a proud moment for the entire area. She has shown that with hard work, anything is possible.” A former teacher from the University of Allahabad said, “Anjum was always sincere and focused. Her success proves that strong academic grounding and discipline make a real difference.”

Now appointed as a judge, Anjum says her goal is to carry out her duties with honesty and integrity. “I want to fulfil my responsibilities towards society through the judiciary with sensitivity,” she said. “Justice should be fair and humane.” Her achievement is being seen as an inspiration, particularly for young women from minority communities who dream of entering the judiciary.

Anjum also shared advice for aspirants preparing for judicial services. She urged students to build a strong grasp of the basic language of law. She advised regular answer writing practice for the mains examination and stressed the importance of understanding how court judgments are read and written. She encouraged students to maintain a routine of five to six hours of focused study daily and not to lose heart in the face of failure. “There is no easy way,” she said. “You have to stay focused and believe in yourself.”

From the classrooms of Prayagraj to securing the top rank in Chhattisgarh, Anjum Ara’s journey reflects discipline, patience and family support. As she prepares to take her place on the bench, many young aspirants now look to her story as proof that steady effort and belief in one’s goal can turn a dream into reality.

source: http://www.clarionindia.net / Clarion India / Home> Editor’s Pick> Indian Muslims / by Mohammad Bin Ismail / February 23rd, 2026

Kerala schoolboy’s bravery brings three back from the brink of death

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Mankada Village (Malappuram District), KERALA :

Mohammed Shamil C

That Sunday afternoon still lingers in Mohammed Shamil’s mind: the loud cries for help and the rush to save lives. Without hesitation, he dived into a murky village pond and brought three girls back to life from the brink.

One of them needed CPR, and he gave her the breath of life with the little knowledge he learned from school. Now, Shamil is hailed as a hero and showered with felicitations, trophies and mementoes – more than three dozen in less than two weeks.

Schools and clubs invite him to share his story, inspiring others to act in moments of crisis. For the Class 12 boy, it is about saving lives and not seeking praise.

Mohammed Shamil (right) and his younger brother Mohammed Shehin being felicitated with currency garlands at their school. | Photo Credit: SAKEER HUSSAIN

On July 13, around 2 p.m., Shamil’s peaceful afternoon at his Puthanveedu home at Mankada near Manjeri was disrupted. His mother Shahida had just received a distressing alert from ASHA worker Hafsath Palliyalthodi that three girls were drowning in a nearby pond.

Shahida’s frantic cry propelled Shamil into action. He sprinted 200 meters to the pond and plunged into the muddy waters, where two girls were desperately struggling to stay afloat while the third had already slipped underwater.

Muslim Youth League national secretary Najma Thabsheera felicitating Mohammed Shamil. | Photo Credit: SAKEER HUSSAIN

With careful precision, Shamil rescued the two girls. He was mindful of not putting himself in danger. “When one girl raised her hand, I did not grab it,” he said. “Instead, I caught her dress from behind and pulled her to safety.”

Just as Shamil thought it was over, the rescued girls broke down in tears, revealing that one more person was still submerged underwater. “That moment sent shivers down my spine,” Shamil recalled. “Initially, I was unsure what to do, but I took a few deep breaths and dived multiple times in a desperate attempt to rescue the last one.”

Fire and Rescue Services officers felicitating Mohammed Shamil. | Photo Credit: SAKEER HUSSAIN

The pond was over two meters deep, with murky water, making it difficult to locate the missing girl. As more people arrived, Shamil dove in three times before finally pulling out the 12-year-old girl with the help of his younger brother, Mohammed Shehin, who is a class 8 student.

She was not breathing, and her face was pale. Shamil used his school biology knowledge to do chest compressions. When she showed signs of life, he gave her mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. Within minutes, she started breathing again. The girl was then rushed to the hospital.

Shamil’s parents, Shahina and Ashraf, beamed with pride as they looked at the table filled with trophies and mementoes. The recognition came from all corners – the Fire and Rescue Services, local clubs, the MLA, the district, block, and grama panchayats.

Shamil, once just a student, has become a symbol of hope and bravery for the people of Mankada. “I just did what needed to be done,” he humbly said.

source: htttp://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India> Kerala / by Abdul Latheef Naha / July 25th, 2025

Mumtaza Begum’s sheep farm is inspiring women in Kashmir

Agriculture (since June 07th, 2021), Business & Economy, Women/Girls(since May26-2021), , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Watrina Village (Bandipora District, North Kashmir), JAMMU & KASHMIR :

Mumtaza Begum, Sheep farm owner

Mumtaza Begum, a 33-year-old homemaker from Watrina village in Bandipora district, North Kashmir, has changed her life through sheep farming. Despite limited resources, social challenges, and the compulsion to drop out of college early, Mumtaza refused to give up and is today recognised as a successful female entrepreneur in the area.

Mumtaza’s story is one of struggle and the spirit of fighting out adversity. Financial difficulties forced her to drop out of college, but she never gave up on her dreams. Her matrimonial family had 10 to 15 sheep, which were reared using traditional methods. This sparked the idea of ​​pursuing sheep farming on a larger scale.

Mumtaza’s dream wasn’t limited to mere subsistence; she wanted to turn it into a systematic and successful business.

With this thought in mind, she approached the Animal Husbandry Department in Bandipora. With the department’s guidance, she applied under the state-sponsored subsidy scheme, “Mini Sheep Farm.” In February 2019, she was selected and allotted a unit of 50 sheep.

Sheep rearing requires hard work and patience. Besides, for Mumtaza, the lack of experience was also a major challenge. But Mumtaza didn’t give up. Through persistent hard work, a passion for learning, and a strong will, she gradually expanded her business. Over time, her experience grew, and her farm expanded.

Mumtaza credits her family, especially her husband, for her success. She says that her husband stood by her every step of the way. “He is always there for me, offering emotional support and actual help with work,” she says.

Mumtaza believes that family support is crucial for women entrepreneurs, especially when they have to juggle both home and work responsibilities.

Mumtaza also praises the officials of the Animal Husbandry Department for her success. Proper guidance, technical advice, and knowledge of government schemes helped her overcome many challenges. With the department’s support, she could manage her farm efficiently and increase production.

Today, Mumtaza Begum owns a successful farm with over 210 sheep. She earns a net income of over 5 lakh rupees annually. Most of her sheep are sold during Eid al-Adha, providing her with a substantial income. This work has not only improved her financial situation but also boosted her confidence and self-worth.

Mumtaza no longer considers herself merely a sheep herder; She wants to inspire other women to opt for entrepreneurship.

She shares her experiences with women and encourages them to move forward. She says that if women utilise the opportunities available to them, they can certainly improve their social and economic status.

Mumtaza says that the true rewards of hard work come when one proves oneself. For her, sheep farming is not just a means of earning money, but a path to self-reliance and respect.

This woman from Bandipora has proven that with the right mindset, hard work, and support, any dream can become a reality.

source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Stories / by Arsla Khan, New Delhi / February 11th, 2026

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

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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