Belonging to a conservative Muslim family, it was hard for Fatima Ahmed to break the shackles but she made sure to follow her dreams and do all that she ever wanted. From travelling the world to living like a “gypsy” and creating her very own niche in the world of art, Ahmed has lived her life on her terms. Read about this feisty and inspiring artist.
Legendary rebel artist and writer Fatima Ahmed, who is nearing 80, is a picture of contrasts. While she is fun-loving and full of life, her paintings are still and silent. (Credit: Surekha Kadapa- Bose\WFS)
‘If only silence could speak’ goes the adage. Well, here silence does speak – and how! Soft, hazy, elusive images of women gaze steadily from the confines of their canvas making the much-mesmerised onlooker feel as though they would simply vanish if s/he so much as blinked. The women in red, pink, beige oil paints look ethereal, delicate and yet they convey power, strength – much like the woman who has created them.
“Space and light are very important to any work of art, especially paintings,” explains legendary rebel artist and writer Fatima Ahmed, whose latest oil canvases were on display in Mumbai recently. She continues, “In life, there has to be some mystery. Everything shouldn’t be very obvious and spoken out loud. In my works I don’t like clutter, loud colours or screaming. I like my paintings to be as subtle as a whisper.”
“Let me start by saying I simply love to eat the crisp crust of a samosa,” she says, with twinkle in her eyes, before adding, “Now as far as the silence in my work is concerned, throughout my life I have been more of an observer. I was a recluse during my childhood as I didn’t have anyone to share my thoughts and feelings with. I was a rebel for everyone around me and way back in the middle of last century it wasn’t a good sign.”
Coming from a conservative Muslim family in Hyderabad, Ahmed never really fit in because she was a free spirit who believed in equality. Her father was a Collector under Nizam Osman Ali Khan, Asif Jah VII, the last Nizam of Hyderabad.
In her joint family, daughters were married off in their early teens within the extended family. Moreover, as the Ahmed family was very highly placed within the Nizam’s palace, its members, too, were treated as royalty, which was never acceptable to her.
“I just couldn’t tolerate treating those employed in our household as slaves. Besides, women in that era didn’t have any say in any sphere of life and were forced to blindly follow all the dictates of men without questioning them. I certainly wasn’t going to do that,” she says emphatically, her voice betraying the anger she still feels towards the strict patriarchal rules they were made to adhere to in that period.
The women in red, pink, beige oil paints look ethereal, delicate and yet they convey power, strength. (Credit: Surekha Kadapa-Bose\WFS)
So Ahmed grew up with vivid visions of freeing everyone who was treated as a lesser human being. “Quite unknowingly, I was influenced by socialism,” she remarks. And at that age she had also made up her mind that she would rather die than marry one of her cousins. According to her, the one good thing her father did was to enrol her in the Government Mahaboobia Girls School, the foremost learning institution at that time. “Our teachers taught us out of syllabus and gave us the freedom to think. I didn’t like Hyderabad then but I loved my school,” says the artist, who is nearing 80.
It was there that she developed a deep love for drawing, painting and the classical Indian dance form Kathak, all of which she learnt without the approval of the family elders. The dance classes came to an end as soon as her father came to know.
“Unfortunately, my mother had a stroke at the time. And though I did have a large family of sisters, brothers, cousins and aunts, I could never really converse with any of them or share my true feelings,” she elaborates.
After school, as Ahmed refused marriage outright, she was grudgingly allowed to join college. But there again she met with another hurdle. She wasn’t interested in any of the usual subjects of science and wanted to join College of Fine Arts, which, of course, wasn’t permitted. So she found a way to get in. Mischievously she narrates, “I forged my father’s signature on the application form but the principal detected my lie and quizzed me. When he understood that I was really interested in the arts and saw a painting I had done of a litter of puppies, he relented.”
The demise of her parents made her leave home and Hyderabad for good. “I certainly didn’t want to stay back and be bossed around by my brothers and other family members,” she says about her escape to Bombay in early 1960s.
Admitting that the Hyderabad of today has changed considerably, the ageing artist nonetheless doesn’t think there is much difference still in the way girls from poor Muslim families are treated, “While girls from well-to-do homes get an education, are fashionable, go abroad, mingle with the rest of the world, this is not true of the low income Muslim families. They still live in a very male dominated society and this is not only restricted to Hyderabad or India but all over the world.”
Her arrival in Bombay and the “gypsy lifestyle” she led for the next two decades saw her engage closely with the world of art and writing. “I really didn’t exploit the kind of opportunities that came my way. I just took life one day at a time by living it on my own terms,” recalls Ahmed especially referring to her two-year stint in London where she painted, went through a financial crisis and then discovered spiritualism.
Fatima Ahmed, whose latest works were part of a recent exhibition, ‘If only silence could speak’, likes her paintings to be as subtle as a whisper. (Credit: Surekha Kadapa- Bose\WFS)
Despite those struggles, great success has come to her. She has held innumerable exhibitions in Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Hyderabad, Bhopal, London, Mauritius, Dubai, Hong Kong, Russia and South Africa, among many other places. Her works have been auctioned by Christies and are part of several private collections and state galleries, including the National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA) in Delhi, Birla Art Akademi, Kolkata, the Stuttgart State Library and Masanori Fukuoka Museum in Japan.
What or who has influenced her art over the years? Initially, Ahmed says she was influenced by Gauguin, Cezanne, Van Gogh and Modigliani. But she consciously stayed away from those influences, as she felt “there was no fun in copying others”, and developed her own style.
Once she got back from London to Mumbai she caught up with many of her journalist friends. One of them was late Khushwant Singh, with whom she argued, fought and enjoyed interacting. It was he who encouraged her to get into writing. She started by translating works of Ismat Chugtai, Saadat Hassan Manto, Kaifi Azmi and other Urdu literary greats into English. This paved the way for to her write the semi-autobiographical, ‘In Haleema’s Words’. It was on one of her reporting assignments that she visited the Rajneesh Ashram in Pune, which has become her permanent home now.
Personally, Ahmed may be less of a rebel these days but her works more than make up – though still and silent they exude the quiet strength of women.
Written by Surekha Kadapa-Bose for Women’s Feature Service (WFS) and republished here in arrangement with WFS.
source: http://www.thebetterindia.com / The Better India / Home> Art / by Surekha Kadapa-Bose / December 14th, 2014
Jubuni Village (Rampurhat subdivision of Birbhum District), WEST BENGAL :
Feroza Begum
Firoza Begum’s language of protest against the harsh realities of rural India, gender inequality, and family adversity is a strong statement. The poet and writer in her, though, has emerged from a phase of struggle.
She was born into a respectable family in Jubuni village of Rampurhat subdivision of Birbhum district, West Bengal. Her parents, Abdul Hakim Mallick and Arestun Bibi, faced poverty, disease, and social uncertainty, due to which her childhood was difficult.
The struggle for survival of her family and relatives during the terrible smallpox epidemic influenced and triggered a humanitarian spirit in her.
In her childhood, when women’s education was neglected in rural society, she completed her schooling. She broke many social barriers. The discrimination and neglect she faced while in school ignited the spirit of rebellion in her, which, in due course, made the language of her writing sharp, protestant and sensitive.
Feroza Begum with an award
In 1974, she married Nurul Haque Mallick, a science-minded teacher. With her husband’s liberal attitude and inspiration, she managed to balance both her family life and pursuit of literature. She made sure her four daughters got educated and financially independent, self-reliant. Although her husband’s death in 2016 left a deep void in her life, she did not stop pursuing literature.
Since 1992, Firoza Begum has been regularly writing poems, songs and essays. Her writings have been published in various literary magazines of Murshidabad, Rampurhat and Kolkata, Pragati, Trinayani, Kalam, Bhabbana, Sangbad Darpan, Roddur, Arpan, etc.
Besides, she is also a regular participant in the radio and television programs and has received recognition beyond her hometown and community.
The poetry collection “Nayantara” published in 2010) and “Aparajita” published in 2014) clearly reflect the struggle of women, the adversities of life, and the human spirit.
She proofread and published the book, despite illness and limitations, and it reflected her perseverance.
Firoza Begum has received several honours and awards in recognition of her contribution to literary endeavours.
The reception by the Bhabna O Anubhavber Dana newspaper of Rampurhat, the Rokeya Award from the Roddur newspaper, certificates from various radio stations in Kolkata and Baharampur, the Ambedkar Shilpi Ratna Award from New Barrackpore, and the recent “Best Bengali” award from the Asha Foundation are important recognitions of her literary and humanitarian activities.
The life of poet Firoza Begum is not just the autobiography of a writer, it is a courageous document of a struggling woman. Her pen still bears witness to the fact that even in the deep darkness of adversity, education, humanity and literature are capable of illuminating the path of humanity.
source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Stories / by Dev Kishore Chakraborty / February 03rd, 2026
Congress leader retains Prabhag 19 seat, credits public trust, service record and cross-community support
Mira-Bhayandar, Thane :
Congress leader Rubina Feroze has returned to the Mira-Bhayandar Municipal Corporation in Thane district of Maharashtra for a second consecutive term, winning from Prabhag No. 19 and leading all four candidates of her panel to victory. Her win stands out in an election largely dominated by the BJP, which saw several smaller parties wiped out.
Rubina, who first won the ward in 2017, secured a fresh mandate from the same constituency. Prabhag 19 has a mixed population of Marathi and Gujarati speakers, with Hindus, Muslims, Christians and Jains living together. Muslims form a small minority in the ward, yet the results reflected broad support cutting across community lines.
Speaking to Urdu daily Inquilab, Feroze said repeated attempts were made to polarise Mira-Bhayandar on religious and linguistic lines. “Over the last three years, there was a clear effort to push the city towards communal tension. Even the Marathi language was dragged into politics last year,” she said.
“Many parties tried to win votes by invoking religion and identity,” she added. “But in ward number 19, that kind of politics did not work. People judged me by my work and by the stand taken by the Congress.”
Overall, the Congress improved its performance in the civic polls, winning 13 corporator seats compared to 12 in the previous election, helping the party avoid a poor showing in the city. Shiv Sena (Shinde faction), backed by state minister Pratap Sir Naik, was restricted to just two seats.
Describing her victory as a responsibility rather than a personal achievement, Rubina Feroze said, “I thank the people of my ward for trusting me again. I will work harder in the new term and address every issue faced by residents.”
During her previous term, she focused on welfare initiatives and local issues, including helping women access government schemes, organising self-defence classes, holding a job fair for unemployed youth, and conducting career guidance programmes for students. She also assisted cancer patients in securing financial aid from the Municipal Corporation.
Residents cited her accessibility as a key factor behind her re-election. “She listens to people and follows up on issues. That is why people from every community voted for her,” a local voter said.
The result is being widely seen as a signal that development-oriented politics and social harmony continue to resonate with voters, even amid a charged political climate.
source: http://www.clarionindia.net / Clarion India / Home> Editor’s Pick> India / by Team Clarion / January 23rd, 2026
Ilin Fatima, a young Muslim from Ajmer, has made history by becoming the city’s first female Chartered Accountant (CA), marking a milestone for her family and the local Muslim community. Her achievement reflects a blend of strong upbringing, determination, and a steadfast commitment to education.
Fatima was welcomed with widespread enthusiasm by the Muslim Welfare and Education Committee of Ajmer in Rajasthan, where she was felicitated for her dedication and resilience. Community members gathered to celebrate, expressing pride not only in her personal success but also in what it signifies for Muslim families across Ajmer and the state.
Her father, Abdul Hameed Khan, spoke about the significance of this accomplishment with deep gratitude to Allah. “I have three daughters, and I ensured they were educated according to Shariah law,” he said. “My daughters have succeeded in both religious and worldly knowledge. I urge every parent to prioritise education for their children. Even if you have to eat half a loaf of bread, make sure your children receive quality education.”
He referred to a Hadith (sayings of Prophet Muhammad) and emphasised the value of knowledge: “Acquire knowledge even if one has to go to China. Education is essential, and people often overlook its importance. My daughter’s success is a reminder of the power and necessity of learning.”
The community’s response has been overwhelming. Leaders and members of various organisations, including Syed Rab Nawaz Jafri, UD Khan, Dr Syed Mansoor Ali, Haji Nafees Ahmed, Advocate Manzoor Ali, Hasan Mohammad, Akram Siddiqui, Farid Hussain, and Aqeel Ahmed of the Ajmer Muslim Welfare and Education Committee have all praised Fatima’s dedication and accomplishment.
A committee spokesperson remarked, “Ilin Fatima’s achievement serves as an inspiration not only to her family but to the entire city. Her commitment to education demonstrates that the progress of daughters is vital for the development of society. When girls are educated, communities prosper, and real success is achieved.”
Ilin Fatima’s historic success is likely to encourage more Muslim families to prioritise education for their daughters, breaking barriers and inspiring future generations. Her journey is a testament to perseverance, faith, and the unwavering support of a family that values both religious and worldly knowledge.
“Her hard work shows that with determination, guidance, and faith, anything is possible,” the committee official added. “She has set an example for all young Muslim girls in Ajmer and beyond.”
As Ilin Fatima steps into her professional career, her story stands as a beacon of hope and a reminder of the transformative power of education within the Muslim community in India.
source: http://www.clarionindia.net / Clarion India / Home> Editor’s Pick> India> Indian Muslim / by Mohammad Bin Ismail / November 10th, 2025
KUWAIT / Raigarh District (MAHARASHTRA) / New Jersey (U.S.A) :
Kokan’s daughter Lubna Qazi Chaudhry took the oath as Administrative Law Judge in New Jersey with her hand placed on The Holy Quran, pledging to uphold constitutional responsibilities.
Mumbai:
Lubna Qazi, a lawyer originally from Maharashtra’s Raigad district, has created history by taking oath as an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) in the US state of New Jersey, becoming the first Muslim woman to be appointed to this position in the state. The appointment is being widely regarded as a significant milestone for minority representation in the American judiciary.
The oath-taking ceremony was held recently, where Associate Justice Rachel Wainer Apter of the New Jersey Supreme Court administered the oath. On the occasion, Lubna Qazi placed her hand on the Holy Quran and pledged to faithfully discharge her constitutional duties.
The position of Administrative Law Judge holds considerable importance within the American judicial system. ALJs preside over cases involving decisions of government agencies, administrative disputes and public grievances, delivering rulings based on established legal principles.
Lubna Qazi’s Life Journey
Lubna Qazi’s life journey spans multiple countries and cultures. She was born in Kuwait, where she spent her early childhood with her parents. In 1990, during a school vacation, she travelled to the United States. However, following the outbreak of the Gulf War, the family decided to settle there permanently.
Lubna later pursued her education in California, completed her graduation from the University of California, and earned her law degree from Western State University College of Law.
After marrying Ahsan Chaudhry in 2005, Lubna moved to New Jersey, where she served in various government legal positions for nearly two decades. Recognising her extensive legal experience and professional competence, the Governor of New Jersey nominated her for the post of Administrative Law Judge in 2025.
Lubna Qazi is also distinguished for her linguistic abilities. In addition to English, she is fluent in Urdu, Hindi and Konkani, and has working knowledge of Arabic. Committed to preserving cultural and linguistic heritage, she is personally teaching Urdu and Arabic to her two children at home.
Family Feels Honoured
Expressing his pride, Lubna’s father Inayatullah Qazi said that the entire family feels honoured by her achievement. He described the appointment not merely as a position, but the result of years of hard work, sacrifice and prayers.
Speaking to the correspondent, Inayatullah Qazi said that his family hails from Tala taluka of Raigad district in the Konkan region. He completed his education up to Class VI at Jamia Millia Islamia School, Delhi, and his high school education at Anjuman Islam, Mumbai.
After obtaining a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Government College of Engineering, Aurangabad, in 1975, he moved to Kuwait for employment, beginning his career with an air-conditioning company. After working there for fifteen years, he migrated to the United States with a single suitcase following Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait after the Gulf War, as his children were already in the US at the time. He later ensured higher education for all four of his children.
Inayatullah Qazi said that the family’s roots are deeply embedded in Islamic tradition and that Urdu is spoken with pride at home. He added that Lubna completed recitation of the Holy Quran at the age of seven.
He further shared that around five to six generations ago, their ancestors were sent to the Konkan region as Qazis (judicial authorities) to administer justice without discrimination based on religion, caste or race. Although the profession discontinued a few generations ago, he expressed happiness that his daughter has now proudly revived the family’s judicial legacy.
Lubna Qazi is also the granddaughter of Dr Rehana Ahmed, a noted educationist and Executive Chairperson of the Girls’ Board of Anjuman Islam, Mumbai. Dr Ahmed expressed joy over Lubna’s achievement, stating that it serves as a shining example for young women across the community and will inspire girls to pursue higher education and professional careers. She is widely recognised for her dedicated efforts toward the promotion of girls’ education, particularly within the Muslim community.
Meanwhile, several social and legal organisations, including the Asian Pacific American Lawyers Association of New Jersey, have congratulated Lubna Qazi on her appointment. Observers believe that this development marks a significant step forward in strengthening Muslim and minority representation within the American judicial system.
source: http://www.ummid.com / Ummid.com / Home> United States / by Mohiyuddin Altamash / January 30th, 2026
A one-day Exhibition-cum-Sale was organised by the Women’s Wing of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, Shivamogga District. The exhibition was inaugurated by the State Secretary of the Women’s Wing, Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, Mohtarma Taskeela Khanum.
The objective of such programmes is to economically strengthen and empower women. In the context of rising inflation, unemployment, and poverty, it was emphasised that addressing these challenges is a shared responsibility, and that women must play an effective role alongside men in the nation’s economic development.
The organisers highlighted that such exhibitions provide women with practical business experience, opportunities to interact with people from diverse backgrounds, and support in developing entrepreneurial ideas. These platforms also enable women to engage in halal business practices within the limits of Shari’ah, while facilitating growth through networking and referrals.
Islam permits women to engage in business, including running enterprises from their homes, as reflected in Islamic history through the example of Khadijah bint Khuwaylid رضی الله عنها, a successful businesswoman. Islam also encourages honest and ethical business practices for both men and women.
Nearly 100 women from across the district set up stalls showcasing clothing, handbags, fancy items, abayas, home-made products, and more. A food court offering a wide variety of food items was another major attraction. Members, associates of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, and women entrepreneurs from different parts of the district actively participated in the exhibition.
The women-exclusive exhibition attracted around 3000 women visitors, who actively shopped at the stalls. The event was described as highly encouraging, as it highlighted the talents, skills, and entrepreneurial potential of women.
Such exhibitions form part of the organisational plan of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind to promote women’s empowerment. Efforts will be made to strengthen the women entrepreneurs’ network.
Feedback received from participants reflected a high level of satisfaction, with many expressing a desire for similar programmes to be organised regularly. Participants particularly appreciated that the exhibition was organised by women, for women, and exclusively for women, creating a comfortable environment that enabled them to conduct business with confidence.
The organisers were widely appreciated, and participants expressed eagerness to remain connected and take part in future programmes. The total sales from all stalls amounted to approximately ₹3 lakh during the one-day exhibition.
The programme concluded on a positive note, reinforcing the importance of such initiatives in promoting women’s economic empowerment and community development.
[The writer of this report is Member Mashavrati Board Karnataka, and District Organiser of JIH Women’s Wing Shimoga]
source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Entrepreneurship> Focus / by Naseema Begum / February 01st, 2026
Qari Mutiullah Wasifi, a calligrapher from Tonk, a city in Rajasthan, won the second prize in the International Islamic Calligraphy Competition, organised by the Islamic Art Society in New York, USA.
This recognition comes amid the rise of digital fonts and artificial designs globally.
Qari Mutiullah Wasifi competed with more than 4000 artists from around the world. On this occasion, Qari said his success at an international forum is not sudden. Over the past four years, India’s presence in this competition has been consistent, and the Wasifi family has made it to the top every time.
In 2022, Qari Mutiullah Wasifi received the first prize. A year later, his son Haris Wasifi secured second place. In 2024, Haris won the first prize.
This year, the first prize was bagged by Egypt, the second by India, the third by Pakistan, and the fourth by Turkey. The award includes a certificate, a memento, and a cash prize. However, for the Wasifi family, the real honour is the recognition that comes with representing India.
Qari Mutiullah Wasifi at work
Qari Mutiullah Wasifi’s journey didn’t begin at an art college. His first school was his own home. His late father, Qari Salimullah Wasif Furqani, was a renowned calligrapher, reciter of the Quran, and a scholar. He had a command of Arabic, Persian, and Urdu.
His calligraphy of the Quran was his speciality. As a child, Mutiullah watched his father sit for hours, writing. The sharpness of the pen, the curves of the letters, and the measured amount of ink used were not mere play for him, but a matter of discipline.
For formal education, he enrolled at the Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Arabic-Persian Research Institute (APRI) in Tonk. He completed a four-year diploma course, recognised by the National Council for Promotion of Urdu Language (NCPUL), Delhi. This is the same institution that has made Tonk a centre for Arabic and Persian studies.
Tonk is generally known for its madrasas, books, and Islamic education. But this city has also witnessed a well-established tradition of calligraphy. During the Nawab era, calligraphers from Iran and Central Asia taught locals the art.
Institutions like Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Arabic Persian Research Institute (APRI) have preserved this legacy. This institution has trained many calligraphers who have made a name for themselves in India and abroad. Qari Mutiullah Wasifi is an important link in this chain.
Wasifi told Awaz-the Voice that for him, calligraphy is not just a means of decoration, but a part of worship. To date, he has handwritten 27 copies of the Holy Quran. Some of these Qurans are written in extremely fine script, while others are adorned with gold and silver.
Qari Mutiullah Wasifi with a competitor
He has also undertaken unique projects, such as writing the entire Quran on a single large sheet of paper. This work requires years of practice and patience. The placement of each letter is crucial, and even a single mistake can ruin the entire work.
One of Qari Mutiullah Wasifi’s lesser-known yet important contributions is related to the preservation of manuscripts — completing the half-done copies of the Holy Quran and rare books in Arabic, Persian, and Urdu. So far, he has completed approximately 500 incomplete Qurans and hundreds of old books.
He has undertaken projects for private collectors, libraries, and research institutions. This effort breathes new life into books that might otherwise have been lost to oblivion.
Wasifi’s art is not limited to paper. He has done calligraphy on cloth, leather, wood, metal, grains of rice, lentils, marble, hair, and even inside bottles. This art is not only a test of manual dexterity but also of concentration and balance.
Tomorrow is the last day to enjoy the discount on incredible workshops by the Global Centre of Islamic Art during Islamic Art Week! 🌟 Access a variety of workshops on calligraphy and Islamic art in general by many talented artists… pic.twitter.com/XAg735bUeT
Wasifi participated in the international calligraphy competition organised by the Islamic institution “Irtika” in Istanbul, Turkey, in 2022. This institution organises a prestigious global calligraphy competition every two years, in which renowned calligraphers from around the world participate.
In 2023, he also participated in the international calligraphy competition organised by Fujairah Company in Dubai (UAE). This competition is known for its distinguished jury and global participation.
Wasifi says that if workshops, exhibitions, and competitions are considered together, his participation in national and international events, both within and outside India, totals approximately 30.
Wasifi thinks it’s not his achievement, but a means of showcasing the Indian calligraphy tradition at the international level.
According to him, such platforms provide artists with opportunities to learn, test themselves, and connect with calligraphers from around the world. He has also received several honours at the national level.
He has also participated in international exhibitions and workshops in places like Bengaluru, Udaipur, Aligarh, Diggi Palace in Jaipur, and the Lalit Kala Akademi in Delhi.
In the Wasifi family, this art has been passed down from one generation to the next. Qari’s eldest son, Haris Wasifi, is an internationally acclaimed calligrapher. The second son, Abbas Wasifi, is a Hafiz and Qari (one who has memorised the entire Quran and recites it with proper pronunciation) and is pursuing his education at Nadwatul Ulama, Lucknow.
The daughter, Sidra Wasifi, is an Alima (a female religious scholar) and teaches calligraphy to young girls. This family is not only preserving art but also discipline and heritage.
Qari Mutiullah Wasifi has established ‘Bazm-e-Wasif‘ in memory of his father. His dream is to create a special library and museum of calligraphy in Tonk, where his and his father’s manuscripts can be safely preserved. He says that despite the lack of resources, his resolve remains unwavering. His goal is to ensure that this calligraphic heritage of Tonk reaches future generations.
source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Stories / by Farhan Israeli, Tonk (Rajasthan) / January 29th, 2026
The All India Majlis e Ittehadul Muslimeen has defended newly elected Mumbra corporator Sahar Sheikh amid controversy over remarks described by critics as communal. Party leaders said her words targeted no community and called the backlash an example of selective scrutiny faced by Muslim representatives.
At a press conference, AIMIM state president and former MP Imtiaz Jalil said Sahar Sheikh made no remark against Hindus and issued no call for removal of any group from Mumbra. He said pressure continues for police action despite absence of any offensive content. He said the party stands with its corporator and treats her position as the party position.
The controversy followed remarks made after her election from Panel No. 30 B in Mumbra. AIMIM leaders said sections presented the remarks out of context to create a national level dispute soon after a Muslim woman secured an electoral win.
Jalil said the party will challenge the police notice served on Sahar Sheikh. He said the matter will reach the Supreme Court if required. He also questioned demands for an apology raised by BJP leader Kirit Somaiya. Jalil asked under which authority such demands were made while similar or harsher remarks by ruling party figures drew no response.
He referred to public statements by leaders speaking about entering mosques or issuing threats against Muslims. He asked why police action failed to follow in such cases. He said swift notices appear when Muslim women speak, while silence follows other instances.
Jalil pointed to the presence of Mayur Sarang, a Hindu supporter, at the press conference alongside AIMIM’s five elected corporators from Mumbra. He said such presence reflected the inclusive nature of the party stand.
Sahar Sheikh sat with party leaders and maintained her statement. AIMIM said it will pursue legal remedies and urged calm, asking authorities to address the issue within constitutional limits.
source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Latest News> Report / by Radiance News Bureau / January 29th, 2026
Tania Parveen, Sarpanch of Siswa Purvi Panchayat in Bihar
Tania Parveen, head of the Siswa Purvi Panchayat in East Champaran district of Bihar, will be seated among the special invitees of the President of India to witness the ceremonial Republic Day Parade in Delhi on Monday.
Tania, an engineering graduate, is among the guests of honour at the 77th Republic Day Parade due to her work in transforming her village through her vision and work as an elected head of the Panchayat.
Today, the Siswa Purvi Panchayat is a model for the rest of the country and a living proof that villages too can have amenities enjoyed by people in cities.
Tania Parveen left her government job to take up the leadership of her village. She contested the Panchayat election with a clear idea that this position could help her in changing the poor living conditions of her village.
Her trigger for giving up a well-paying and stable government job was the air pollution caused by sugar mills. Taniya has been the head of the village Panchayat since 2016.
Panchatay Office of Siswa Purvi, Bihar
The Panchayat has about 48 per cent of the Muslim population. She recalls that earlier, girls in the village showed little interest in education. Today, the situation has changed, with girls eagerly preparing to go to school.
When Taniya took charge, she had a lot of problems to tackle. Child labour, the trend of early marriages and the violence against women were immediate issues demanding her attention.
During the COVID period, she had to dispel rumours and misconceptions about the disease and its treatment. People were afraid of taking vaccines and tried to avoid quarantine. Through her strong leadership, Tania Parveen created awareness, and gradually, villagers began following the protocols.
The invite to Taniya is under the Central Government’s Panchayat Empowerment Scheme, which honours the outstanding panchayat representatives from across the country.
Tania Parveen became Mukhiya at the age of just 32 and, within the last three years, has transformed Siswa Purvi from a backward area into a model gram panchayat. Even former sarpanch Faizal Rahman, 50, openly praises her work and leadership.
Girls attending school in Siswa Purvi village
Her focus is on health, employment, education and empowerment of women in the panchayat.
Her efforts showed significant improvements in the health sector. Regular health check-ups are conducted for the elderly, pregnant women, and girls. ASHA workers go door to door to fulfil their responsibilities. Women are encouraged to join schemes such as MGNREGA, PM Vishwakarma Yojana, and Jeevika to make them earn.
Tania introduced smart classes and computers in schools, and paid attention to high dropouts among girls. After the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao campaign, girls developed a strong interest in education. With the installation of streetlights, women feel safer even at night.
Tania Parveen says that when she became Mukhiya in 2016, the condition of the panchayat was poor. Roads had potholes, drains were clogged, and sanitation systems were weak.
Today, Siswa has better roads, organised drainage, proper water disposal, and improved cleanliness.
She injected transparency in the spending and ended a culture of bribery and commissions in public works. She says her vision was to bring the basic amenities in her village to the level of a city.
An RTPS counter has now been set up at the Siswa Panchayat Sarkar Bhavan, where birth certificates, death certificates, pensions, residence certificates, caste and income documents are issued. Every day, 20 to 35 people come to get their work done without needing to visit the block office. Led by Tania, all employees attend regularly.
Tania Parveen is now working towards setting up a women-friendly panchayat. She believes that women will become strong only when they have self-employment opportunities. She has plans for conducting tailoring, computer training, and martial arts classes to make women and girls self-reliant and confident.
Asking her peers across the country to adopt honesty as the best policy, Tania says, when a panchayat changes, society will change. Then cities will change, and eventually, Bihar will change. Panchayat development, she says, is true national development.
She also notes that women’s participation has increased significantly in social security schemes such as pension schemes, ration schemes, housing schemes, and the “toilet in every home” initiative.
The construction of the Panchayat Sarkar Bhavan has also been completed in her village.
Tania Parveen is not ready to sit on her laurels. She is working towards creating newer employment opportunities, strengthening women’s education, and digitising the panchayat system. “If panchayats are to be made dignified and strong, it is essential to provide women with equal opportunities and full respect,” she says.
source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Stories / by Mansooruddin Faridi, New Delhi / January 25th, 2026
The new Mumbai Municipal Corporation (Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation 2026 or BMC 2026) to have 01 more Muslim corporator as compared to the community’s tally last time.
[Imran Pratapgarhi, Member of Rajya Sabha from Maharashtra and National Chairman Congress Minority Department, leading a rally in support of Congress candidates in Mumbai]
BMC 2026 Final Result:
The new Mumbai Municipal Corporation (Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation 2026 or BMC 2026) to have 01 more Muslim corporator as compared to the community’s tally last time.
A total of 29 Muslims from different parties had won the 2017 BMC elections. As against this, number of Muslims in the Mumbai Mahanagar Palika 2026 is 30, as per the final election result announced by the Maharashtra State Election Commission Saturday.
Of the total 30 Muslim Corporators who have won the 2026 Mumbai Municipal Corporation Elections the maximum 13 are from Congress, 07 are from Asaduddin Owaisi’s All India Majlis e Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), 03 each are from NCP (Ajit Pawar) and Shiv Sena (UBT), 02 are from Samajwadi Party (SP) and 02 each from Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde) and NCP (Sharad Pawar).
List of Muslim Corporators in Mumbai Corporation
Following is the party-wise full list of Muslim corporators in Mumbai.
Muslim Corporators of Nationalist Congress Party (NCP Sharad Pawar)
30. Bushra Nadeem Captain Malik (Ward No. 170)
What is important is that the Muslim candidates have won the BMC 2026 elections from all parties – including Congress, AIMIM, Samajwadi Party, NCP (Ajit Pawar), NCP (Sharad Pawar) and also from Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde) and Shiv Sena (Uddhav Thackeray or UBT).
This is a clear message to the BJP, which because of its communal agenda and hate for Muslims does not give the party tickets to Muslims, and gives an excuse that the community does not vote for it.
Along with the Mumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), civic body elections were also held in 28 other corporations of Maharashtra.
As per the final result announced by the state election commission, out of the total 2,869 seats, the BJP has won 1,420 seats, Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde) 375, Congress 329, NCP (Ajit Pawar) 175, Shiv Sena (UBT) 160, AIMIM 125, NCP (Sharad Pawar) 40 and MNS just 13 seats. (The result of some seats have not been announced.)
source: http://www.ummid.com / Ummid.com / Home> Maharashtra / by ummid.com news network / January 18th, 2026
