Dr Irfan Ali, a faculty member in the Department of Statistics and Operations Research at Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), has been ranked among the world’s top 0.5% of scholars in the fields of Mathematical Optimization and Environmental Statistics by ScholarGPS, a globally recognized academic analytics platform.
A distinguished researcher in applied statistics, mathematical optimization, estimation theory, and artificial intelligence, Dr Ali has made significant contributions to his field. He has authored over 105 research papers indexed in the Scopus database and 71 in the Web of Science, and edited eight books published by renowned publishers such as Taylor & Francis and Springer Nature, all indexed in Elsevier’s Scopus database.
He has also His textbook, Optimization with LINGO 18: Problems and Applications, is widely regarded as a valuable resource for academicians, researchers, and students in the field of Operations Research.
His work has garnered more than 2,250 citations on Google Scholar, where he holds an h-index of 26 and an i10-index of 63.
In addition to his prolific research output, Dr Ali is a Lifetime Member of several prestigious professional societies including the Operational Research Society of India, Indian Society for Probability and Statistics, Indian Mathematical Society, and The Indian Science Congress Association. He is currently serving as an Associate Executive Council Member of the Indian Society for Probability and Statistics (ISPS) since 2021.
He is actively involved with over ten international journals in editorial capacities, including roles as associate editor and editorial board member.
source: http://www.indiaeducationdiary.com / IndiaEducationDiary.com / Home> Academics> University News / June 02nd, 2025
Amna Asim receiving the best paper award at Jesus and Mary College, DU
Aligarh:
Amna Asim, a first-year MA History student at the Centre of Advanced Study, Department of History, Aligarh Muslim University, won the Best Paper Prize at the release event of Maazinama Volume IV, held at Jesus and Mary College, University of Delhi.
Her research paper, titled “Memory and Resistance: Tracing India’s Counter-Monumental Legacy through Jallianwala Bagh,” was also published in Maazinama Volume IV, the annual academic journal of the Department of History, Jesus and Mary College. The paper explores the concept of counter-monuments as powerful symbols of collective memory and resistance, with a focused analysis of Jallianwala Bagh’s historical and cultural legacy.
Judges Dr. Devika Mittal and Dr. Bipasha Rosy Lakra appreciated her research and the methodology employed.
Prof. Hassan Imam, Chairperson and Coordinator of the Centre of Advanced Study, Department of History, AMU, congratulated Amna Asim on her achievement and praised her for earning this scholarly recognition.
source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Pride of the Nation> Awards / by Radiance News Bureau / May 16th, 2025
AMU Alumnus Yusuf Farooqi Joins Ontario Geological Survey, Canada
Aligarh:
Mr. Yusuf Farooqi, an alumnus of the Department of Geology, Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), has been selected to join the prestigious Ontario Geological Survey, Canada, as a Geological Assistant.
In his new role, Mr. Farooqi will contribute to geological research, conduct fieldwork, collect and analyse geological data, and support technical and administrative aspects of mapping and exploration projects. He completed his B.Sc. and M.Sc. in Geology from AMU in 2019 and 2021, respectively.
Prof. Rashid Umar, Chairperson, Department of Geology, congratulated Mr. Farooqi and expressed pride in his achievement, noting that it reflects AMU’s global impact and the academic rigour of its Earth Sciences programme.
source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Latest News> Markers of Excellence / by Radiance News Bureau / May 15th, 2025
Prof. Nizamuddin Khan, a retired faculty member from the Department of Geography, Aligarh Muslim University
Aligarh:
Prof. Nizamuddin Khan, a retired faculty member from the Department of Geography, Aligarh Muslim University, has been conferred with the Best Presentation Award at the International Conference on Asian and Pacific Studies (ICOAAPS-25), held in Abu Dhabi, UAE.
Prof. Khan presented a research paper titled “Impact of Urbanisation on Dairy Farming and Sustainable Rural Development in Peri-Urban Area in India: A Case Study of Aligarh City”.
His work was lauded for its scholarly depth and relevance to contemporary urban-rural dynamics in developing regions.
Organised by the Association for Scientific and Academic Research (ASAR) with support from Google Scholar, the conference attracted researchers and academicians from around the world, providing a platform to exchange ideas and findings on pressing regional issues.
source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Pride of the Nation> Awards / by Radiance News Bureau / May 09th, 2025
The Sarojini Naidu Centre for Women’s Studies in collaboration with the Dr Zakir Hussain Institute of Islamic Studies, Jamia Millia Islamia, hosted a special extension Lecture titled, “Unpacking the Myths: Separating Fact from Fiction about Women in Islam” on April 24, 2025, at Mir Anis Hall of Jamia Millia Islamia.
The lecture was delivered by noted British Islamic Scholar Dr Shiekh Mohammad Akram Nadwi. Formerly the Dean of Cambridge Islamic College and currently the Principal of the Al-Salam Institute and famous for his multi volume book Al-Muhaddithat, which documents female scholars in Islamic history, he is a leading authority on Islamic jurisprudence and Hadith, inspiring global audiences with his teachings.
The event opened with a soulful recitation of the Holy Quran, followed by a warm welcome from the honorary director of SNCWS Prof Nishat Zaidi.
The introduction of the speaker was given by Prof. Habibullah Khan, Honorary Director of the Dr Zakir Hussain Institute of Islamic Studies. Prof Habibullah praised Dr Nadwi’s globally recognised contributions to Islamic scholarship, particularly his work on gender and Hadith.
Dr Nadwi’s lecture captivated the large audience present in the hall as the urging open dialogue to dismantle stereotypes about women in Islam.
Referencing his monumental 40-volume work, Al-Muhaddi that: the Women Scholars of Islam that chronicles the contributions of female Islamic scholars.
The speaker presented a compelling case for re-evaluating historical narratives, generalisations, myths and patriarchal notions through rigorous scholarship and proper understanding of Islam. His call for mutual respect and understanding across cultures sparked vibrant discussions among attendees, reinforcing the lecture’s relevance in today’s diverse world.
The lecture was followed by the presidential remarks by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. MazharAsif, who emphasised Jamia’s commitment to inclusive discourse and highlighted the pivotal role of women in shaping Muslim society.
He urged audience to practice equality of women in their lives and shape a society that respects women.
Among the attendees were Prof Mohammad Muslim Khan (Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences), Prof Iqtidar Khan (Dean, Faculty of Humanities and Languages),Prof Kausar Mazhari , faculties and staff of SNCWS and Dr Zakir Hussain Institute of Islamic studies besides teachers, researchers and students from across the faculties of the Social Sciences, Humanities and Languages and from various Centers of the University.
Dr Tarannum Siddiqui of the Sarojini Naidu Centre for Women’s Studies convened and moderated the program. Dedicated volunteers, including Vaibhav, Zoyba, Gargi Mishra, Shubhangi, RaiyahQamar, and Fatima Zohra from MA Gender Studies of SNCWS ensured a seamless experience.
“Dr Nadwi’s lecture is a clarion call to challenge misconceptions and embrace informed dialogue,” said Prof Nishat Zaidi while thanking the speaker. She further said: “His scholarship inspires us to bridge tradition and modernity in pursuit of equity and understanding.”
The session concluded with pertinent Q&A session in which students satisfied their curiosities by asking relevant questions to the speaker.
A formal vote of thanks was presented by Gargi Mishra, student of MA Gender studies. Students and particularly girls who attended the talk were well impressed to know about the historical contributions of women in shaping society and their contributions in nation building.
source: http://www.theokhlatimes.com / The Okhla Times / Home> JMI-EDU / by theokhlatimes / April 29th, 2025
Prof M Waseem Ali, Prof Saud Alam Qasmi, Prof. Syed Tayyab Raza Naqvi, Prof. Mohammad Habibullah and Prof Mohd Rashid with the prize winners at Theology Department of AMU
Aligarh:
The Sunni Theological Society of the Department of Sunni Theology, Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), organised a prize distribution ceremony to honour the winners of a writing competition held on the theme, “The Legal and Historical Status of Waqf and the Formation of a Peaceful Society in the Light of Islamic Teachings.”
Professor Mohammad Wasim Ali, Proctor of AMU and the Chief Guest, commended the choice of a socially and religiously significant topic. He noted that while such themes deserve broader academic engagement, the Faculty of Theology has set a precedent for others to follow.
Presiding over the event, Professor Mohammad Habibullah Qasmi, Dean of the Faculty and Head of the Department, lauded the efforts of the Society and emphasised the importance of organising such programmes to showcase students’ academic and intellectual potential.
Guest of Honour, Professor Mohammad Saud Alam Qasmi encouraged students to take their dual expertise in modern and religious education beyond the university. “Your responsibilities are greater, and you must rise to meet them at the national academic stage,” he advised.
Professor Mohammad Rashid urged students not to be discouraged by competition outcomes, reminding them that many more opportunities lie ahead. Professor Tayyab Raza Naqvi, former Head of the Department of Shia Theology, also congratulated the Society for its timely theme selection.
Dr. Nadeem Ashraf, faculty member of the department, delivered the welcome address.
The programme was conducted by Zahid Ali, Vice President of the Sunni Theological Society. Dr. Raihan Akhtar Qasmi delivered the vote of thanks.
The event drew a large audience, including faculty, students, and staff from various departments.
source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Latest News> Report / by Radiance News Bureau / May 08th, 2025
“My father died of cancer when I was in the 9th grade. My family was in deep grief and faced a mountain of difficulties. My mother worked as a household help to ensure my younger brother continued his studies.
“My conditions inspired me as I took difficulties as an opportunity. I expressed myself through my paintings, which were appreciated.
Today, my paintings and portraits are appreciated in America, Europe, and Gulf countries,” Adnan Ansari, a student pursuing an M.Com degree from Aligarh Muslim University, told Awaz- Voice over the phone.
Adnan had been fond of drawing since his school days, and to support his family, he took up his hobby as a profession. After his father passed away, his mother had to take care of the family all by herself. During the COVID-induced lockdown, I worked on my drawing skills at home using a pencil and paper.
Adnan Ansari at work
After this, Adnan created his Instagram page and uploaded his paintings on it. He received appreciation for his art. “Appreciation for one’s work is fine, but I cannot fill stomachs or run the family,” he said.
Soon after, Adnan completed his schooling at Aligarh Public School, one of his juniors placed an order over the phone for his portrait.
“That was my first earning. I received Rs 200 as remuneration. I never looked back. I was encouraged to make better paintings as I realised that I would start earning. My hard work and dedication have paid off, and today I am at a stage where my paintings are in demand even abroad.”
Today his Instagram page is doing well. “My followers are increasing, and I upload all my works for sale on it.”
He receives all his orders through Instagram. “I currently have orders for paintings from America, UK, Canada, and Saudi Arabia,” said Adnan. So far, his most expensive painting has been for Rs 40,000.
Adnan Ansari with some of his works
Adnan said that he has been trying to understand life from his perspective and process his feelings on canvas. That process makes him serve people through his art. His paintings reflect the maturity of his imagination.
According to him, copying something and making it exactly like it is not the definition of art.
Adnan said that he could make a painting of any kind, even from the oldest torn photographs. “For example, if you give me a colour or black and white photograph, I will make it exactly like the original, which will make you feel that this one is better, no matter how old the photograph is, if there is even 10 to 15 percent imagination in it, then I can make it.”
Adnan told Awaz-The Voice that his mother, Rashida Begum, is not educated and has a small income through doing small household work, which is not enough for the family. His younger brother Bilal Ansari is in school.
Adnan Ansari’s art
Adnan Ansari told Awaz-The Voice that he was thankful to former Aligarh MP Jamal Khwaja for providing him with a place to live. “We do not have a house and a Jamal Khwaja for whom my mother works, has kindly given a portion of his bungalow for my family to live.”
Adnan told Awaz-The Voice that I am currently doing post-graduation from Aligarh Muslim University. Along with this, I am improving my art through social media. However, my work is more understood and liked abroad. But I hope that one day I will get a big honor at the national and international level, and I am working hard for that.
Adnan said, “I started with pencil and sheet, so till now whatever paintings I have made, I have used only charcoal pencil, charcoal powder, eraser, cutter scale, knife. Now that I have money, I am also using canvas, light, computer, camera.”
Adnan said that the youth should bring out the talent hidden within them and try to move forward using whatever facilities are available to them. It is not necessary to have big things to make it big, one should bring out the hidden talent and work hard honestly. One day, success is inevitable.
Adnan Ansari’s works
Adnan said, “I mostly like to make a painting which has a story behind it. I keep looking at the paintings of some international-level artists and photographers to get inspired to do my work.”
Adnan Ansari is also a state-level under-19 football champion; he also edits videos on a freelance basis. Adnan wants to build his studio where he can showcase his art and video editing skills and create digital artwork.
Adnan Ansari says that first he prepares a digital layout and sends it to his clients. He does all this through Touchbook software. After approval, he draws it on canvas with a pencil.
Adnan says the price he prices his paintings as per his assessment of the hard work that has gone into each one. “I earn enough to run my household. I am now buying modern tools for my work. I see myself as a big artist of India in the next 5 years.”
Adnan has received many awards for his art. His works were also on display at the National Art Exhibition, where he received a lot of appreciation. Adnan also actively participates in youth fests and other competitions.
source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Stories / by Onika Maheshwari, New Delhi / April 09th, 2025
Two AMU research scholars, Arshyaan Shahid and Shahzada Iqbal, brought laurels to India by presenting their innovative research at the 9th European Congress on Mammalogy held in Patras, Greece
Aligarh:
Two research scholars from the Department of Wildlife Sciences, Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), Arshyaan Shahid and Shahzada Iqbal, brought laurels to India by presenting their innovative research at the 9th European Congress on Mammalogy held in Patras, Greece. Guided by Prof. Orus Ilyas, the students were the sole representatives from India and the broader subcontinent at this premier international event, which convenes once every four years and draws the world’s leading mammalogists.
The European Congress on Mammalogy is a renowned platform for sharing advancements in mammalian science, conservation strategies, and ecological research.
Among hundreds of global participants, Shahzada Iqbal presented two posters on wolf conservation in Central India, addressing ecological challenges and species threats. Arshyaan Shahid presented a poster on the behavioural ecology of the Gaur (Indian bison) and also delivered an oral presentation on human-elephant interactions in Jharkhand’s Palamau Tiger Reserve.
Their research received commendation from international experts, who appreciated their scientific rigor and conservation-oriented approach.
“It was an incredible opportunity to share our work with leading mammalogists,” said Shahzada Iqbal. Arshyaan Shahid remarked, “The insights and feedback we gained were invaluable. Representing India on such a platform was truly an honour.”
Prof. Orus Ilyas lauded the students’ accomplishments, noting, “Their success at EUROTHERIUM reflects the research excellence at AMU and signals India’s growing presence in global wildlife science.”
source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Focus> Markers of Excellence> Research / by Radiance News Bureau / April 15th, 2025
Dr. Fasna K receiving the best paper award at Mumbai
Aligarh:
Dr. Fasna K, a Junior Resident-III in the Department of Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry, Dr. Z.A. Dental College, Aligarh Muslim University got the Best Paper Award at the 21st National Postgraduate Convention of the Indian Society of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry (PedoSoch 2025), held in Mumbai, recently.
Her Guide, Prof Saima Yunus Khan, Chairperson of the department congratulated Dr. Fasna on the achievement.
source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Pride of the Nation> Awards> Latest News / by Radiance News Bureau / February 05th, 2025
Founder of the Rekhta Foundation Sanjeev Saraf (left) with Dr Umair Manzar
“Umair Manzar was the first to join me in my journey of Rekhta,” said Sanjeev Saraf, the founder of the Rekhta Foundation. He said this before a smaller audience at the launch of the first Jashn-e-Rekhta, the festival of literature and performing arts in 2012.
The festival has become a major annual cultural event in Delhi, and the Rekhta Foundation portal is a key resource for Urdu language and literature and a peg for the online and offline community of Urdu literature lovers.
This year the three-day Jashn-e-Rekhta is being held in Delhi from December 13.
Saraf said Umair was his first Urdu teacher. He was the one who proposed the name Rekhta for the website and became the first member of the online community of Urdu aficionados on Rekhta Foundation.
Stage for artists to perform in Jashn-e-Rekhta
Today, Dr. Umair Manzar is an Assistant Professor in the Urdu Department of Maulana Azad National Urdu University, Lucknow Campus When Awaz-the Voice contacted him, he was surprised at his name being mentioned by Safar.
Awaz-The Voice contacted Umair Mazhar on the phone. He came across as a simple and humble person not too keen to take credit for his key role in setting up Rekhta.
After initial reluctance, Umair Manzar agreed to share his interaction with Sanjeev Saraf.
Manzar’s version of the initial days of Rekhta threw up many more characters in this journey. He says many other people also played their part in helping Sanjeev Saraf concretize what was his passion for the language.
Umair Manzar said that he met Saraf during the 2010 spring.”Summer had not started.”
One day Vice Chancellor Jamia Millia Islamia Najeeb Jung called Urdu’s Head of Department Professor Khalid Mahmood and asked him to send a tutor to a particular person to teach Urdu. At that time, Umair was teaching at the university. His HOD gave him a piece of paper with a name and a telephone number scribbled on it and asked him to contact him.
“The name was Sanjeev Saraf. I called that number, we fixed a time for the tuition class.”
Jashn-e-Rekhta festival
“The first time I met him at his home. I had no idea who he was. Yet I found him a serious person; there was a certain calm in his way of speaking.”
“I liked him instantly as he spoke candidly. After a few meetings, he told me that he was very fond of Urdu and wanted to learn it.
“He especially wanted to understand poetry. In a few meetings, I realized that apart from learning the language, he was also interested in creating an Urdu website. He has nursed a dream of starting an Urdu website for many years,” Manzar said
Sanjeev Saraf seemed to be learning the language out of love for it. He also thought Urdu could become a bridge among diverse people of India who loved the language.
He thought the website of this idea could increase their love for Urdu. Thousands of people want to learn the language because of its poetry. However, there is no one to help them. Sanjeev Saraf had faced this problem and therefore empathized with others. He had the resources, including time to learn Urdu. However, everyone could not do it.
Manzar told Awaz that he soon realized Sanjeev Saraf wanted to do something beyond learning Urdu.
After a few days, he said, “Every person needs a teacher; my website can fulfill the needs of all such people.”
Manzar said, “This got me thinking seriously about this issue. By now I was visiting the Noida office of Mr Saraf. One day he said that we can start Urdu work in a part of that office.”
Umair Manzar also did not realize that he had become a part of the initiative to establish a website that would help Urdu lovers all over the world and bind them in a community.”
He also realized that he was dealing with a passionate lover of Urdu and not a mere learner.
A bookshop in Jashn-e-rekhta
One day Safar spoke formally to him. We decided to discuss it in detail.
And finally one day Sanjeev Saraf asked him to start work on the website,
The first name for the website he suggested was Kavita. This was already bought by someone. The same was the case with many other titles. “I also felt if we had to buy the already registered name for the website, the prices were ridiculously high.”
He suggested ‘Rekhta’ to Sanjeev Saraf. ”He asked me its meaning. When I explained it to him he was happy. Soon we registered rekhta.org as the domain name. I remember he liked the harmony of the words. He was sitting with us during the entire process of registration online.”
Thereafter the work on the website started and many targets were achieved before the scheduled time. This was the journey of paper preparation for the Rekhta Foundation.”
Umair Manzar says he had met Sanjeev Saraf with the sole purpose of teaching him the language but he got involved in his mission.
When asked about the preparations after naming, Umair Manzar said, “After the name was decided, work on the website started. In the summer of 2011, I officially launched the website. The first step was to choose poems of classical poets and the unanimous choice was Mirza Ghalib.”
The selection of contemporary poets started from Jamia Millia Islamia and other libraries. Their compositions were recorded. Saraf hired composers and they worked out of the Noida office. It started slowly and then it gained momentum.”
Umair Manzar said, he also contacted Professor Ahmed Mahfooz and Professor Abdul Rashid for their suggestions and advice.”I also arranged a meeting of both gentlemen with Sanjeev Saraf and this meeting lasted for several hours.”
Saraf expressed his intentions and ambitions; the professors also gave their input and suggestions. “Sanjeev Saraf noted every suggestion and tip the two learned professors offered.”
Prof. Rashid suggested that the way to preserve old books was to scan them and upload them on the website.
Umair Manzar says,” One day when I went to the office, Sanjeev Saraf announced the (scanning) machine had arrived. “Now you people bring the books. The scanning process will begin.”
This was a challenge to all of us. Initially, we tried to upload only selected and important books on the website. Later this also opened a new possibility.
A poster of Jashn-e-Rekhta
Umair Manzar says that initially, people like Rehman Farooqi, Prof. Shamim Hanafi, and Prof. Walwasa ignored the website as another wannabe.
Probably the first column about Rekhta was written by Professor Vasa, Vice President of the Urdu Academy. He also gave Rekhta an award for the promotion of Urdu.
Umair Manzar joined Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Urdu University as an assistant in the early days of Rekhta.
Initially, the Rekhta Foundation was recruited only on the recommendation of a group of like-minded people like Professor Ahmed Mahfooz, Professor Abdul Rashid, and Umair Manzar.
Abdul Rashid, who is from Delhi, had done his research on dictionaries. This year the Ghalib Institute is giving him its prestigious literary and research award. Professor Ahmed Mahfooz is the HOD Urdu Department of Jamia Milia Islamia. He is an expert on poetry.
Professor Abdul Rashid and Dr. Amir Manzar are among the people who have been actively associated with the Rekhta Foundation since its inception.
Dr. Umair Manzar and Prof. Abdul Rashid were included in this team to scan books from Raja Mahmoodabad library and make them part of e-books.
Similarly, access to some private libraries and some important books was very active. Along with them, Professor Abdul Rashid and Dr. Umair Manzar have played a role.
source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Stories / by Mansooruddin Faridi, New Delhi / December 12th, 2024
