An overflowing audience of the young and the very old at the Press club of India, New Delhi, on Tuesday witnessed the release of a book on Umar Khalid, a JNU scholar now in jail these last six years.
The book titled Umar Khalid and His World: An Anthology, published by Three Essays Collective, is edited by Anirban Bhattacharya, Banojyotsna Lahiri, and Shuddhabrata Sengupta.
It is an anthology of writings by and about the incarcerated activist, featuring contributions from various public figures, intellectuals, and friends. The anthology is curated by researcher/activist Anirban Bhattacharya, writer and activist Banojyotsna Lahiri (who is also Umar Khalid’s partner), and artist/writer Shuddhabrata Sengupta.
The book features letters, essays, and reflections, including writings from Umar Khalid himself, along with contributions from Romila Thapar, Ramachandra Guha, Anand Teltumbde, and Kunal Kamra. It highlights themes of resistance, the injustice of prolonged detention, and the political atmosphere in India.
source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Review Article> Book Release> Focus / by Radiance News Bureau / February 17th, 2026
Tribute Paid to Hakim Ajmal Khan’s Medical Services; Awards Presented to Doctors
New Delhi:
On the occasion of the 158th birth anniversary of the eminent medical personality Hakim Ajmal Khan, a dignified felicitation ceremony was organised by the Integrated Medical Association (IMA–AYUSH) at the Ghalib Institute, Mata Sundri Lane, New Delhi. A large number of distinguished physicians and practitioners from across Delhi attended the event and paid rich tribute to Hakim Ajmal Khan’s outstanding contributions to Unani medicine.
Addressing the gathering, former Head of the Unani Department at Safdarjung Hospital, Syed Ahmad Khan, stated that Hakim Ajmal Khan elevated Unani medicine to new heights and introduced innovative treatment methods in line with modern medical requirements. He further said that Hakim Ajmal Khan’s intellectual insight and research contributions continue to serve as a guiding light for practitioners, and his medical philosophy will remain a source of inspiration for future generations.
During the ceremony, doctors associated with various medical institutions in Delhi were honoured with awards and certificates in recognition of their remarkable services. Speakers on the occasion reaffirmed their commitment to making collective efforts for the promotion of Unani medicine and for providing effective and safe treatment to the public.
At the conclusion of the programme, the organisers from the Integrated Medical Association announced that scientific and literary programmes would continue to be organised in the future to promote the ideas and medical legacy of Hakim Ajmal Khan, so that the younger generation may become acquainted with the services of this great medical leader.
On this occasion, Dr. R.S. Chauhan, in his address, said that Unani medicine is in fact a complete way of life and a balanced therapeutic system, to which Masih-ul-Mulk Hakim Ajmal Khan gave renewed vitality. He remarked that Hakim Ajmal Khan’s medical vision, research, and humanitarian approach continue to guide practitioners around the world. According to him, Hakim Ajmal Khan’s ideas hold fundamental importance in the promotion of the AYUSH system of medicine, the growing inclination toward natural healing, and the strengthening of public health. Dr. Chauhan further emphasised that introducing the younger generation to Hakim Ajmal Khan’s intellectual legacy and spirit of service to humanity is the need of the hour, so that this great treasure of Eastern medicine may be passed on to future generations.
Among those present on the occasion were Professor (Dr.) Kashinath Samagandi, Dr. Arif Zaidi, Dr. Raghu Ram Ayyagari, Professor (Dr.) Mohammad Idris, Hakim Imamuddin Zakaai, Professor (Dr.) Naseem Akhtar Khan, Dr. Syed Ahmad Khan, Dr. R.S. Chauhan, Dr. O.P. Vashisht, Dr. Naresh Kumar Chhwania, Dr. Raman Khanna, Dr. Mohammad Usman, Dr. Mohammad Asad, Dr. Arun Kataria, and Dr. Krishan Kumar Singhal.
source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Latest News> Report / by Radiance News Bureau / February 19th, 2026
Zakat Center India (ZCI) disbursed Rs. 6 lakh among 14 deserving beneficiaries in Delhi during a Skill Development Fund Distribution Programme held at the Scholar School Conference Hall, Jamia Nagar, for the financial year 2025–26.
The programme was attended by several prominent dignitaries, including Okhla MLA Amanatullah Khan, who graced the event as chief guest. Representatives from social, religious, and community organizations were also present.
ZCI, a pan India non-profit organization dedicated to poverty alleviation and social welfare, focuses on the transparent and efficient utilization of Zakat. The initiative aims to help beneficiaries establish micro-businesses and sustainable livelihoods, enabling them to transition from Zakat recipients to self-reliant earners within a short period.
Addressing the gathering, MLA Amanatullah Khan appreciated ZCI’s organized and institutional approach to Zakat management and assured his continued support for such welfare initiatives. He noted that structured and transparent Zakat systems can significantly contribute to social upliftment and economic justice.
In his keynote address, ZCI Chairman and Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (JIH) Vice President S. Ameenul Hasan emphasized the importance of channeling Zakat into productive sectors such as livelihood generation, education, and skill development. He said that when managed strategically, Zakat becomes a powerful tool for long-term economic empowerment rather than temporary relief.
JIH Secretary Dr. Mohiuddin Ghazi highlighted Qur’anic guidance on economic justice and social responsibility, stressing Islam’s emphasis on equitable distribution of wealth. Human Welfare Foundation (HWF) CEO P.K. Noufal acknowledged the collaborative spirit behind the programme.
Delivering the welcome address, ZCI’s National Operations Director Shoaib Islam underscored the need for a technology-driven, transparent, and impact-oriented Zakat ecosystem that ensures scalability and lasting socio-economic transformation.
“This initiative reflects ZCI’s commitment to transforming Zakat from seasonal charity into a structured, dignity-based economic intervention,” he said.
Rs. 6 Lakh Distributed to 14 Beneficiaries
Providing details, Shoaib Islam said that 14 beneficiaries including six women, received financial assistance totalling Rs. 6 lakh. According to him, most beneficiaries were given Rs. 50,000 each while some received Rs. 20,000, and others were granted up to Rs. 60,000 based on their specific business needs. The funds are intended to help establish or strengthen micro-enterprises and promote financial stability, he added.
When asked about the nature of businesses supported, Shoaib Islam said the ventures include battery rickshaw services, electrical shops, tailoring units, grocery stores, resin art businesses, painting workshops, and other self-employment initiatives.
“The objective is not merely financial relief but sustainable livelihood creation, enabling families to move from dependency to self-reliance,” the ZCI official said.
He confirmed that all beneficiaries are residents of Delhi, including areas such as Kanchankunj, Jamia Nagar, Seelampur, and Old Delhi.
Thorough Scrutiny Before Assistance
Responding to a query about the selection and identification of deserving persons, the ZCI official said ZCI follows a rigorous and transparent mechanism. Beneficiaries are identified through social media outreach, public advertisements, recommendations from local Unit Advisory Committees, and coordination with local NGOs. Applications are verified through field visits and background checks are done before final approval. Once assistance is provided, beneficiaries typically begin earning daily income and, in most cases, achieve self-sufficiency within months, he added.
Awarded Shariah Compliance Certificate
The ZCI Operations Director also shared ZCI’s Shariah Audit Certificate. The Shariah Council of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind awarded ZCI the Shariah Compliance Certificate for the financial year 2024–25. The certificate, signed by Shariah Council President Dr. M. Iqbal Masood Nadvi and Secretary Dr. Mohammad Raziul Islam Nadvi, confirms that ZCI’s operations and accounts comply with Shariah principles. The certification remains valid until the next Shariah audit for the financial year 2025–26.
Clarifying common doubts and misconceptions prevalent in society regarding transparency and Shariah compliance of such institutions, Shoaib Islam stated that ZCI conducts regular audits and presents its financial statements and balances in its annual report before the public.
He said this practice shows a high level of transparency and strict adherence to Shariah principles, further strengthening ZCI’s credibility and reaffirming its commitment to accountability and Shariah-based ethical operations.
From 5 Pilot Units to 37 Units Across 11 States
The ZCI official further stated that since its inception in 2022, ZCI has expanded from five pilot units to 37 units across 11 states over the past four years, covering both North and South India, supported by a network of over 600 dedicated volunteers. He described the growth as evidence of increasing community trust and the effectiveness of a collective, transparent, and Shariah-compliant Zakat management system.
Across India, ZCI, with the generous support of its donors, has served over 3,525 beneficiaries in 2025. ZCI has reached numerous distressed families, with nearly 60 percent of Zakat funds allocated to livelihood support and 20 percent to education. The organization prioritizes productive, empowerment-focused spending over purely consumptive relief.
“This expansion reflects the trust of the community and the dedicated efforts of our teams and partners,” he added.
Comprehensive Welfare Model
According to Shoaib, ZCI operates under three major categories: Livelihood Projects, Education Schemes, and Mawasat (Food Ration & Pension Schemes).
Under Livelihood Projects, ZCI supports the poor in establishing businesses, shops, carts, cattle farming units, and other self-employment ventures to generate sustainable income.
Under Education Schemes, the Centre provides scholarships, fee assistance, mentoring, and training to deserving students from economically weaker sections.
Under Mawasat (Food Ration & Pension Schemes), ZCI offers monthly support to widows, persons with disabilities, elderly women, and orphans in the form of rations, food supplies, pensions, and medical assistance.
The organization currently supports nearly 5,000 needy individuals through its livelihood initiatives. ZCI typically disburses amounts ranging from Rs. 20,000 to Rs. 50,000, with nearly all collected Zakat distributed among beneficiaries and only minimal funds used for essential administrative expenses.
ZCI’s core objectives include mobilizing and managing Zakat and Ushr in accordance with Qur’anic guidance, promoting awareness about the social and spiritual benefits of organized Zakat, providing livelihood and welfare support, establishing institutions for Zakat recipients, and conducting research to strengthen and modernize Zakat management systems.
source: http://www.indiatomorrow.net / India Tomorrow / Home> Economy / by India Tomorrow / February 20th, 2026
Renowned Scholar and Former Jamia Dean Recognized for Five Decades of Academic and Social Contributions
In a grand ceremony held in the capital, the Institute of Objective Studies (IOS) conferred the prestigious IOS Lifetime Achievement Award upon Professor Zahoor Mohammad Khan (Z.M. Khan)— an eminent scholar, researcher, author, and former Dean of Social Sciences at Jamia Millia Islamia.
Prof. Khan, who also served as the former Secretary General of IOS, was presented with a citation, memento, and a cash prize of ₹1 lakh in recognition of his outstanding services to education, research, and social development.
Prof. Khan’s illustrious career spans over five decades, marked by his multifaceted roles as an academician, researcher, author, and institution builder. He has authored eight books and dozens of research papers, contributing significantly to the study of political science and sociology in India. During his 23-year tenure as Secretary General of IOS, the institution evolved from a modest initiative into a nationally respected think tank. He also played a pivotal role in launching the IOS Scholarship Programme, which has supported numerous students and researchers over the years.
The IOS Lifetime Achievement Award, instituted in 2007, aims to recognize individuals, organizations, or voluntary groups who have rendered exceptional service to the nation and society, irrespective of religion, caste, or creed.
Previous recipients of this distinguished award include former Chief Justice of India A.M. Ahmadi, Dr. A.R. Kidwai, Prof. B. Sheikh Ali, A.G. Noorani,, Prof. Akhtarul Wasey, Prof. Mohsin Usmani Nadwi Maulana Hakim Abdulllah Mughaisi, and K. Rahman Khan, among others. Prof. Khan’s inclusion in this eminent list was greeted with enthusiastic applause from the audience.
Expressing his gratitude upon receiving the honour, Prof. Z.M. Khan said, Faith in God and the spirit of service are the most precious blessings one can receive. Faith brings with it a sense of responsibility and accountability to the Creator — that is the greatest reward of life. He also acknowledged the crucial role of institutions such as Delhi University, Jawaharlal Nehru University, Jamia Millia Islamia, and the Institute of Objective Studiesin shaping his academic journey.
The ceremony was chaired by Prof. M. Afzal Wani, Chairman of IOS, and graced by Justice Zakiullah Khan (former Judge, Allahabad High Court) as the chief guest.
Distinguished guests included Prof. Akhtarul Wasey (Jamia Millia Islamia & former Vice Chancellor, Maulana Azad University, Jodhpur), Prof. M. Akhtar Siddiqui, Mr. M. Afzal (former MP), and Prof. Furqan Ahmad.
The event began with a recitation from the Holy Quran by Dr. Nighat Husain Nadwi, a welcome address by IOS Secretary General Mohammad Alam, and was conducted by Prof. Hasina Hashia Vice Chairperson of IOS, who also delivered the vote of thanks.
The event not only celebrated Prof. Khan’s extraordinary contributions but also reaffirmed IOS’s commitment to honouring individuals who have significantly influenced India’s intellectual and moral landscape.
source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Latest News> Report / by Radiance News Bureau / November 07th, 2025
‘Ironman of India’ Sabir Ali, who won the decathlon gold at the 1981 Asian Athletics Championships in Tokyo, passed away.
Ali won eight consecutive Open National titles in the gruelling event between 1979 and 1985. The Railways star was unbeatable at the Inter-State meets too – he represented Haryana — which he won twice in 1979 and 1981. His pet event was the javelin throw. Ali won a bronze and silver at the World Railway meets in 1981 and ’85 and was honoured with the Arjuna Award in 1981. Ali, who grew up in Delhi, is survived by his wife, son and daughter.
‘Ironman of India’ Sabir Ali, who won the decathlon gold at the 1981 Asian Athletics Championships in Tokyo, passed away. He was 67. Ali, who retired from Railways, won the title in the Japanese capital with a tally of 7,253 points beating Japan’s Nobuya Saito (7,078) and China’s Zu Qilin (7,074). He also won two silver medals at the South Asian Federation Games held in Kathmandu and Dhaka.
What is Decathlon :
Decathlon is a combined athletic event consisting of 10 track and field disciplines. Under this, various competitions are held over two days, including the 100-meter race, long jump, shot put, high jump, and 400 meters on the first day, while the 110-meter hurdle race, discus throw, pole vault, javelin throw, and 1,500 meters on the second day
source: http://www.currentaffairs.adda247.com / Adda 247 Current Affairs / by Sumit Arora (and edited – What is Decathalon) / January 27th, 2023
Much before I became an admirer of Ustad Zakir Hussain, I was a devoted fan of Ustad Shafaat Ahmed Khan. The reason was simple. Growing up in New Delhi, I had the chance to see the tabla maestro regularly when I was a teenager, often with luminaries like santoor monarch Pandit Shivkumar Sharma, flautist Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia and sarod maestro Ustad Amjad Ali Khan.
After moving to Mumbai, I continued to attend Khan’s shows, and interacted with him twice as a music journalist. It came as a huge shock when he passed away on July 24, 2005, at the untimely age of 51, after a bout of hepatitis. Among classical music lovers, memories of Khan’s music remains fresh. Coming Wednesday, on his 14th death anniversary, Pancham Nishad is organising a tribute concert at the Veer Savarkar auditorium, Shivaji Park. It will feature vocalist Sanjeev Chimmalgi and tabla maestro Swapan Choudhuri, whose performance was a highlight of the Ustad Allarakha birth centenary celebrations on April 29.
I first heard Khan perform in 1977 when I was 14, at the Shri Ram Centre, New Delhi. He was accompanying Shivkumar Sharma on Raag Bhoopali. It was the first time I heard the santoor and the experience was magical. I didn’t understand the technicalities, but was totally enraptured. Both Sharma and Khan became my heroes. The same show also featured violinist N. Rajam and vocalists Rajan and Sajan Mishra, with different tabla accompanists. So imagine my joy. I told my parents to take me to more concerts, and very often, Khan would perform.
Senior aficionados often talked about Khan representing the Delhi gharana, and Hussain being associated with the Punjab school. It made no difference to me, until I started writing about them. I also had the good fortune of seeing tabla players like Kishen Maharaj, Anindo Chatterjee and Suresh Talwalkar perform.
My first meeting with Khan took place in the early 2000s, when he was to perform at the Gunidas Sangeet Sammelan at Nehru Centre, Worli. While the interview was formal, he was delighted to see an ardent admirer like me. “People normally try to find fault in my technique. You are different,” he had joked. The second encounter was at Sharma’s birthday celebrations in 2004. It was a select gathering of about 25 people. This was where I discovered what a fantastic mimic Khan actually was.
He narrated hilarious incidents about musicians. One of them was about a senior instrumentalist who was yelled at by an elderly foreign lady at the Amsterdam airport because he was humming the notes of Raag Bageshri a tad loudly.
When Sharma pointed out that he was mimicking those not present at the party, prompt came the reply, “If I mimic you, you won’t let me play at your shows. My career will finish,” stated Khan clearly.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Entertainment> Music / by Narendra Kusnur / July 18th, 2019
A sense of ‘Think global, act local’ prevailed at the launch of two significant books “Who jo Shams tha Sar-e-Aasmaan” and “Seemanchal ke Afsana Nigar.” The launch was jointly organized by Forum for Intellectual Discourse and Idara Adab-e-Islami, Delhi on Sunday, 7 November, 2021 at the headquarters of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind.
The book “Who Jo Shams tha Sar e Assmaan” was compiled by Dr Noman Qaisar and Mohd Islam Khan and has 41 Urdu articles and six poems on the life and services of journalist Dr Abdul Qadir Shams who died during Covid-19 on 25 August, 2020. It also has four write-ups in English.
Another book “Seemanchal ke Afsana Nigar” is an effort to document the life and works of dozens of fiction writers of Seemanchal.
Presiding over the programme renowned Islamic scholar and former President of Maulana Azad University, Jodhpur, Prof Akhtarul Wasey said that the work done by Abdul Qadir Shams was ‘unusual’. “Shams used to sleep in Delhi but dreamed of Seemanchal.” The void left with his demise would always be felt in my life, said Wasey, who is also the Professor Emeritus of Islamic Studies at Jamia Millia Islamia. Seemanchal ke Afsana Nigar will be an indispensable work in the history of short-story writing. Prof Wasey also congratulated the Forum for Intellectual Discourse stating that the need for such an organization like the Forum could never be felt more strongly than the present times. He wished the Forum success.
Special guest, editor general at NCERT, Dr Perwaiz Shaharyar expressed happiness over organizing a meeting for a journalist in which a large number of people from media were present whose responsibility had grown manifold as the nation was confronted with difficult situations. He called the book a ‘valuable addition to literature’. Prof Abu Bakar Abbad had his reservations for confining any segment of Urdu literature to a specific region as Urdu was a global language. The protagonists, however, had their own arguments for identifying geographical regions, as was also the case with Seemanchal, a region long ignored by most literary aficionado.
Abdul Mannan, editor of monthly Yojana reasoned that the creative facets of Seemanchal remained shrouded because their writers usually shied away from the limelight. In that context, he considered Ehsan Quasmi’s work exceptional.
Chief guest, senior journalist Siraj Naqvi, who had worked with Abdul Qadir Shams for over a decade said that Shams new the art of maintaining relationships. Despite all the difficulties, the smile on his face would dispel worries. Author, critic and famous litterateur Haqqani Al-Qasmi paid a glowing literary tribute to his childhood friend Abdul Qadir Shams which moved the audience. He said Woh jo Shams tha… is not merely a collection of articles but teardrops flowing directly from the hearts.
Dr Waris Mazhari, Assistant Professor, Jamia Hamdard; Dr Khalid Mubashshir, Assistant Professor, Jamia Millia Islamia; Dr Ahmad Ali Jauher, Assistant Professor, Indira Gandhi National Open University; Dr Jasim Uddin Qasmi of Delhi University, Jamshed Adil Alig and Dr Zain Shamsi also shared their views. Uzma Shaheen, daughter of late Abdul Qadir Shams paid a rich tribute to her father.
Manzar Imam of Forum for Intellectual Discourse moderated the three-hour long programme which had begun with Qur’anic recitation of Abdur Rahman, followed by welcome remarks of Dr Mohammad Ajmal, Assistant Professor, Centre for Arabic and African Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University. It ended with a vote of thanks by journalist Abid Anwar.
source: http://www.muslimmirror.com / Muslim Mirror / Home> Books / by Manzar Imam / November 10th, 2021
Yusufpur (GhazipurDistrict), UTTAR PRADESH / NEW DELHI / London, U. K :
Begum Zohra Ansari sold away ‘Dar-us-Salam’ to raise party funds and worked for the victory of the candidates of the Indian National Congress and for the defeat of the candidates of the Muslim League, who wanted partition.
Begum Zohra Ansari, an activist of the Indian National Movement whom Mahatma Gandhi addressed as “Vasthad Bi, was born in Delhi. She was the adopted daughter of freedom fighters, Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed Ansari and Begum Shamsunnisa Ansari.
Besides playing an important role in the National Movement, her parents provided hospitality to leaders and a cadre of the Indian National Movement and scholars and people of repute in different walks of life in their residence ‘Dar-us-Salam’. It was very spacious like a royal palace.
While Begum Shamshunnisa Ansari was busy in these responsibilities, Zohra helped her. Thus she had an opportunity to see from close-quarters leaders such as Mahatma Gandhi, Pandit Motilal Nehru, and the Ali Brothers and to serve them. Right from childhood she evinced interest in literature, history, and social sciences. She also gained proficiency in Urdu, Arabic, Persian, and Hindi.
Zohra Ansari and Mahatma Gandhi
Zohra Ansari rendered her services in Wardha Ashram for a long time. Mahatma Gandhi came to know about her command over Urdu and started learning the language from her. He used to address her in his letters as ‘Vastad Bi’ and ‘Beti.
Zohra Ansari and Mahatma Gandhi used to have regular correspondence on various issues. In his letter dated 22 December 1932 to Dr Ansari, Gandhiji remarked that he used to look forward to Zohra’s letter every week. When Zohra expressed her desire to go to jail as a part of the National Movement, like her parents, Gandhiji asked her to wait and promised to allow her to go to jail.
Begum Zohra Ansari married Dr Shaukatulla Shah Ansari (1908-1972) who was her relative and leader of the Indian National Movement. Begum Zohra Ansari lost her father in 1936 and mother in 1938. She took an active part in the Freedom Struggle along with her husband. Both wife and husband opposed the partition of India.
She sold away ‘Dar-us-Salam’ to raise party funds and worked for the victory of the candidates of the Indian National Congress and for the defeat of the candidates of the Muslim League, who wanted partition. Post Independence, Begum Zohra Ansari led a simple life and passed away on 28 July 1988 in England.
source: http://www.heritagetimes.in / Heritage Times / Home / by Syed Naseer Ahamed / December 12th, 2023
The centuries-old Islamic educational centre, birthplace of the Urdu Qur’an translation, struggles to protect its legacy amid growing Hindu-led development projects.
New Delhi :
Hidden along the busy Bahadur Shah Zafar Highway, Mehdiyan — home to the revered Madrasa Rahimiya, also known as Jamia Rahimia — stands as one of Delhi’s oldest Islamic learning centres. Established by Shah Abdul Rahim, father of the famed scholar Shah Waliullah Muhaddith Dehlvi, this madrasa has for centuries served as a vital institution nurturing Islamic scholarship. However, today its existence is threatened by creeping urban development dominated by Hindu groups, threatening to erase a vital piece of Muslim heritage.
“Madrasa Rahimiya was not just a school; it was a movement to bring Muslims closer to the Qur’an’s true teachings,” explains Mufti Muhammad Sabir, a Hadith instructor at the madrasa. “But its history is being erased by those who prioritise development over our heritage.”
Madrasa Rahimiya holds a proud place in history, especially for pioneering the first Urdu translation of the Qur’an. In the late 1700s, Shah Abdul Qadir, a key scholar educated under his father and others, undertook the translation project at the Akbarabadi Mosque. This effort laid the foundation for making Islamic scripture accessible to millions of Urdu-speaking Muslims across India, who were otherwise unable to understand the original Arabic text.
“Shah Abdul Qadir’s translation was revolutionary, yet it faced strong opposition from scholars who considered translating the Qur’an sacrilegious,” says Maulana Sabir. “Despite this, his work endured and shaped generations.”
But this rich history has not been free from hardship. After the 1857 War of Independence, British colonial forces destroyed the Akbarabadi Mosque and shuttered the madrasa. The adjoining Mehdiyan cemetery, the resting place of Shah Waliullah and his family members, was drastically reduced. Historian Rana Safavi laments, “Mehdiyan was once a vast necropolis for saints and commoners alike. Now, much of it is lost to encroachment, with what remains used merely as a washing place.”
In the 1960s, Delhi’s expanding urban sprawl posed new threats. Plans to demolish Mehdiyan to build flats and houses were only halted because of the heroic resistance of Ali Muhammad, known locally as Sher-e-Mewat. “He lay down in front of bulldozers and even Pandit Nehru’s car to protect these sacred shrines,” recalls resident Bilal Ahmed. “He broke his leg but ensured our heritage survived.” Jawaharlal Nehru himself was moved by Ali Muhammad’s determination and ordered the preservation of these sites, which were later enclosed by a boundary wall.
Yet, the madrasa’s survival is once again at risk. Critics point out that the latest wave of urban planning, heavily influenced by Hindu groups, disproportionately targets Muslim heritage areas. Historian Zafar Khan asserts, “Hindu groups have long viewed places like Mehdiyan as obstacles to their vision of a ‘modern’ Delhi. This is not just about land — it’s an attempt to erase Muslim identity.”
Local Muslims feel the marginalisation acutely. “Our history is being systematically sidelined,” says Ayesha Begum, a teacher at Jamia Rahimia. “While Hindu temples receive government protection and funding, our sacred sites are neglected, ignored, or demolished.” She highlights the glaring lack of state support for the madrasa compared to the ample aid granted to Hindu religious institutions.
Despite the ongoing pressures, Madrasa Rahimiya endures as a symbol of resilience and faith. Its small mosque and student quarters continue to operate, preserving the teachings that Shah Waliullah and his predecessors established centuries ago.
“We teach the same Qur’an and Hadith that Shah Waliullah did,” says Mufti Sabir. “No matter the encroachment or neglect, that legacy will not disappear.”
The battle to save Mehdiyan reflects wider tensions in India, where Muslim cultural and religious heritage frequently confronts Hindu nationalist agendas. For now, the madrasa stands firm — a testament to Delhi’s Muslim scholars’ enduring spirit and their steadfast commitment to preserving Islamic knowledge and identity.
source: http://www.clarionindia.net / Clarion India / Home> Culture> Editor’s Pick> India / by Mohammed Bin Ismail / May 24th, 2025
Once confined to royal palaces, the Begmati language shaped the unique feminine idioms of Muslim households but now survives only in whispers and memories.
New Delhi :
In the narrow lanes of Old Delhi, the echoes of a unique language once spoken behind the veils of royal and noble Muslim households are gradually fading. Known as the Begmati language, this distinctive way of conversation carried the idioms, proverbs, and expressions exclusive to the women of the forts and palaces — a language that was as much about identity as it was about communication.
Sania, a doctoral researcher from Jamia Millia Islamia University studying the Begmati language, explains that “Begmati language is actually Urdu, but used in a very special way during conversations among women.” She notes that it was initially limited to the ladies of forts and royal palaces, who communicated through a code rich in kitchen-related idioms and feminine references.
“After the political turmoil in Delhi, this language spread beyond the confines of the forts and into the streets of Old Delhi,” Sania says. “Even today, many old families in Delhi retain the flavour of Begmati.
The Begmati language thrived as a cultural vessel among women — grandmothers, aunts, sisters, daughters, and household maids — who managed and nurtured the home. Sania remarks, “The language women spoke had a completely different flavour, a vocabulary distinct from that of men. Just as men’s conversations were incomplete without poetry, women’s speech was never without proverbs or idioms, sometimes sharp with scorn, other times filled with desire.”
One example she shares is the word ‘Nikhto’, once used to describe women who were considered impolite or outspoken — a word now absent from modern male speech. Another charming idiom contrasts male and female speech: men might say “Reinhold the tongue” to tell someone to be quiet, referencing horse riding, but women, unfamiliar with horses, would say, “Is the stitch of the tongue broken?” borrowing from the language of sewing and embroidery.
The deep roots of Begmati language lie in everyday female experiences — kitchen work, childcare, household management — shaping a linguistic heritage that remains unique. Sania adds, “Many proverbs related to maternal care or household chores are pure Begmati. For instance, if someone repeatedly visits a place, it’s said their ‘umbilical cord is stuck there,’ a phrase reflecting the language’s intimate connection with womanhood.”
Despite its rich cultural value, the Begmati language is now nearly extinct. Social reformers in the 19th century, including figures like Deputy Nazir and Hali, criticised it as a “bad language,” leading to its decline. The spread of education among girls also meant that standardised languages replaced the once-vibrant Begmati. “Begmati language is no longer in vogue,” Sania laments. “It was not preserved strictly because there was no need, and much of what remains has been recorded by male writers raised in women’s homes.”
The word ‘Begum’ itself hints at class and caste dimensions embedded in the language, which also found variants in places like Lucknow, Bhopal, and the Deccan region — areas with strong veiling traditions and feminine cultures. “The songs and speech of women in Hyderabad, for example, have a melody and rhyme much like the Begmati language’s rhythm,” Sania observes.
Political and social changes in the 19th century further pushed the language into obscurity. As wealth and status became more important, “people lacked taste,” and the Begmati language was dismissed as the talk of a “special kind of women” who should not be emulated. Sania quotes a popular saying mocking women of the time: “I forgot the lime, I forgot the tot, I started eating wheat, I started sleeping on khat,” illustrating how Begmati was ridiculed and sidelined.
Yet the language’s musicality and self-mockery shine through in its verses: “Wood burns like coal, coal burns like ash, I don’t burn coal like ash,” a phrase women would use to express frustration or resignation with their fate.
Today, while the Begmati language no longer flourishes as it once did, its traces linger in the conversations of old Delhi’s Muslim families — a living heritage of a time when women’s voices spoke their own truths behind palace walls.
source: http://www.clarionindia.net / Clarion India / Home> Culture> Featured> India / by Mohammed Bin Ismail / May 23rd, 2025
