The winners in various categories, standing from left, Shonal, Rivaan, and Shiv Tummala. Sitting: Ishaan. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Ishaan Madesh, a seven-time National champion across various categories, held off his sibling Rohaan in both the Pre-Finals and Finals in the Senior Max class for a grand double in the second round of the MECO-FMSCI National Karting Championship Rotax Max Classes at the CoASTT circuit in Coimbatore on Sunday.
Shonal Kunimal from Kozhikode (Birel Art India) and Pune’s Arafat Sheikh (Crest Motorsports) won the Finals and the Pre-Finals respectively in the Junior Max category.
Expectedly, Chennai’s Rivaan Dev Preetham (MSPORT) dominated the newly introduced Mini Max category, winning both the Finals and the Pre-Finals to complete a double, as did Shiv Tummala from Bengaluru (Peregrine Racing), who was an equally facile winner in the Micro Max class, where he comfortably held off his rivals.
Fikrokhabar, a news portal based in Bhatkal, has announced its Online Naat Competition 2025, inviting children from coastal Karnataka to take part in the programme during the holy month of Rabi al-Awwal.
The initiative is aimed at celebrating the birth anniversary of Prophet Muhammad by encouraging children to express their devotion through Naat recitation.
According to the organisers, the contest has been designed to nurture both the spiritual and creative growth of children by giving them a platform to present Naats in a digital format. The online mode ensures easy access and wider participation across the region.
The competition is open to boys up to the age of 13 years and girls up to the age of 8 years.
Participants are required to record a video of their recital, which should not exceed three minutes, and submit it through the Google Form link shared by the organisers.
The event has been divided into categories based on age and gender to ensure fair participation.
The organisers said that the programme is not merely a contest but also an opportunity for children to learn more about the life of the Prophet, strengthen their faith, and showcase their talent before a larger audience. It also encourages memorisation and thoughtful reflection on poetic tributes dedicated to the Prophet, fostering deeper appreciation of Islamic teachings.
Parents and guardians interested in registering their children have been asked to get in touch with the coordinators for more details regarding deadlines, judging process and prizes.
Further information can be obtained by contacting +91 9916131111, +91 9620573395 or +91 9108080800.
source: http://www.english.varthabharati.in / Vartha Bharati / Home> Karavali / by Vartha Bharati / September 05th, 2025
Government Medical College (GMC) Srinagar Saturday held a condolence meeting at the Medical Education Unit (MEU) to pay tribute to Prof. (Dr.) Ashiq Hussain Naqashbandi, Ex-Principal, Dean, GMC Srinagar who passed away early morning on Saturday.
As per a statement issued here, the meeting was attended by faculty members, administrative staff, medical superintendents, and paramedical staff, all of whom came together to mourn the loss of a respected figure in the medical community. Prof. Ashiq Hussain Naqashbandi did his MBBS and M.S. (General Surgery) from Government Medical College, Srinagar and then completed his super-specialization (MCh) in Cardio-vascular Thorasic Surgery (CVTS) from CMC Vellore. He was amongst the first few CVTS surgeons of Jammu and Kashmir.
Prof. (Dr.) Ashiq Hussain Naqashbandi joined as a faculty member in Government Medical College, Srinagar in 1981 and became Head of the Department, Surgery. In February 2005 he was appointed as Principal/Dean, GMC, Sgr. and continued till May, 2006.
While paying rich tributes to Prof. Naqashbandi, Principal/Dean (Dr.) Iffat Hassan highlighted his significant impact on the institution and the medical field. Dr. Iffat’s words reflected the esteem in which Prof. Naqashbandi was held by his peers and students.
Prof. Dr. Iqbal Saleem, Head of the Department Surgery expressed his heartfelt condolences and reminisced about Prof. Naqashbandi’s dedication to his work and his mentorship.
Prof. Sabiya Majeed, Head of the Department of Biochemistry, and Prof. Dr. Afroz Khan also paid tribute to his legacy, emphasizing the lasting impact of his work on the medical community. Various other faculty members also spoke on the occasion and paid rich tributes to the departed soul.
As a mark of respect, the attendees observed two minutes of silence to honour Prof. Naqashbandi’s memory. This moment of reflection allowed everyone to pay their respects and reflect on the contributions of the departed soul. The meeting extended its deepest sympathies to the bereaved family of Prof. Naqashbandi during this difficult time.
source: http://www.risingkashmir.com / Rising Kashmir / Home> City / by RK News / September 14th, 2025
Ateeb Inamdar from Vijayapura believes that the best charity anyone can do is donating blood. And, he’s clearly on a life-saving mission…
A blood donor being honoured in Vijayapura
Vijayapura :
Here’s a noble cause born out of a tragedy.
The year was 2008 when Vijayapura resident Ateeb Inamdar’s life turned upside down. His nine-month-old niece died of dengue after not getting the required platelets. “The hospital in Vijayapura referred us to Solapur in Maharashtra for better treatment. But despite our best efforts, we failed to arrange the required platelets, and the baby died in the hospital after nine days,” says Ateeb, now 30 years old, adding that he felt helpless after failing to arrange platelets to save his niece.
That incident shook Ateeb so deeply that it inspired him and his friends to start a blood donors’ group. “I, with the support from my brother-in-law and 15 others, including my cousins and friends, started the movement in 2009. It kept growing over the years with the number of donors now standing at over 3,000. Today, we have the satisfaction of saving the lives of countless people in need of blood,” he says.
Ateeb registered the association as an NGO in 2013, called it Sultan Social Group and Welfare Society and expanded the network. Initially, the NGO was involved in not only blood donation, but also collecting charity to treat the poor. But over the years, the NGO has remained largely focused only on blood donation, as they realised that people were getting financial aid from many but not blood.
“With the emergence of social media, our network widened. We not only kept easily adding more donors, but started getting frequent calls and demand for blood from various parts of Vijayapura district. We also got in touch with similar organisations in Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Goa and even Delhi,” he says, adding that before social media, they contacted donors only by phone, and this limited their numbers. “It is a job done only for the satisfaction of our soul and not for any monetary benefit,” Ateeb adds.
He proudly says that today, they are a part of at least a dozen different blood donors’ groups in Karnataka and other states. “This has helped us share details of patients who need blood in various groups. The minute the information is passed on, donors approach us in large numbers,” he adds.
Rare blood groups
Besides blood groups that are common, Ateeb says they keep a record of donors with rare blood groups, like all negative blood groups and AB+. The rarest among all is the ‘Bombay Blood Group,’ and the NGO has two donors registered with them in Vijayapura district. “We have five from Kalaburagi district with that blood group. In all, we have 12 people in this rare group. We have told them not to donate blood in any donation camps, and to donate it only when a patient needs it. This is because after donating blood, they cannot do it for at least three months, as lost blood cells need time to recoup in the body after losing it,” he adds.
Ateeb says that after the group gained a good name in the district, not just hospitals but almost all blood banks approach them for blood. “If the patient cannot afford it, we request the blood banks to waive off the amount, and we get a positive response from them,” he added.
Ateeb says that people must come forward to donate blood to save lives. “It is the best charity I believe a human can do to a fellow human. I believe only a few people are gifted to do that work, as not everyone can donate blood for various reasons. Those who are eligible should never miss the chance, irrespective of their caste, creed, or religion. Ultimately, humanity is the foundation of every religion,” he adds.
Ateeb emphasises that more people should come forward to donate blood. “Every life saved gives us a blissful feeling,” he concludes.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Good News / by Firoz Rozindar / September 15th, 2024
Three siblings from Bhatkal, currently studying in Mangaluru, secured top honours at the State-level Karate Championship held in Moodbidri on September 1, 2025 The event was organised by the Shorin-Ryu Karate Association in association with Swami’s Strength Training and MK Ananthraj College of Physical Education.
Ismail Nameer, a 15-year-old student of Huda Islamia School, Mangaluru, won first place in Kumite (fight).
His younger brother, Hamdan (11 years), a student of Presidency School, Mangaluru, secured first place in Kumite (Fight) and second place in Kata in the under-11 category.
Their sister, Umme Kulsum, also a student of Presidency School, claimed first place in the Fighting category in the under-8 category.
The siblings are children of Nisar Ahmed Ruknuddin and Nada of Bhatkal, who are presently residing in Mangaluru.
source: http://www.english.varthabharati.in / Vartha Bharati / Home> Karavali / by Vartha Bharati / September 03rd, 2025
Raised by a single mother, Basith named his ambulance service ‘Annai’ as a tribute to her relentless care and sacrifices.
Basith named his ambulance service ‘Annai’ as a tribute to his mother for her relentless care and sacrifices Photo | Express
Virudhunagar :
Two years ago, the cries of a newborn filled the corridors of a hospital in Rajapalayam, but it was not a moment of joy. The 40-year-old mother’s cold body lay in front of her helpless grandmother, who clutched the child closely.
This is when Mohamad Basith (28), the proprietor of Annai Ambulance in Rajapalayam, stepped in. He drove them 15 km for a final journey to their home in Chokkanathanputhur, offering dignity and compassion without charging a dime.
Raised by a single mother, Basith named his ambulance service ‘Annai’ as a tribute to her relentless care and sacrifices. “Despite our financial struggles, my mother ensured that my sister and I received a proper education. From our childhood, we knew the value of food, sleep, and basic necessities,” he said.
In one instance, Basith shouldered the responsibility for a young girl raised by a single mother who was a daily wager. The girl was suffering from kidney-related ailments and required treatment in Tirunelveli. With no means to afford frequent hospital visits, the family turned to Basith, who ensured she was taken to the hospital over eight times. These are just two among the many free services that Basith has quietly been providing over the years. The idea of running his own ambulance service, free for the poor, first struck him while working as a driver, where he witnessed the ordeals families endured during crises.
“After completing my degree five years ago, I couldn’t find a job in my field. So, I worked as a private ambulance driver for two years. Seeing people suffer during emergencies moved me deeply, and that’s when I decided to start my own service, making sure to offer it for free to the poor and underprivileged,” he recalled.
Beyond ambulance services, Basith also helps destitute individuals and those facing mental health challenges by admitting them to shelter homes free of cost. At government hospitals, when attendants are unsure about procedures or struggle to arrange essentials like X-rays, he steps in to guide and assist them.
Since the Covid-19 pandemic, he has taken on the responsibility of performing final rites for the abandoned and homeless who pass away on the streets.
Basith is not alone in his work. His wife, Anisha Fathima (27), a nurse, supports him with the same compassion. She provides basic medical care and emergency help to the needy, all free of cost.
Looking ahead, Basith hopes to add more ambulances to his service and start a shelter home for underprivileged elders. In a world where compassion often takes a back seat, Basith and his service prove that a single act of kindness can create a ripple of hope for many in their darkest hour.
(Edited by Meghna Murali)
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Good News / by Harini M / edited by Meghna Murali / September 14th, 2025
Rajasthan is known for its sandy deserts, historical monuments, especially forts, vibrant culture, and above all, its brave people, some of whom are inspiring others and changing society for the better. Under our series ‘The Changemakers’, Awaz-The Voice, brings you ten such personalities of Rajasthan, who have done extraordinary and pioneering work. Batool Begum: A living legacy of musical heritage.
Batool Begum: Woman who took traditional music to the world
One name that resonates in the streets of Jaipur is that of Batool Begum. Born in Kerap village of Nagaur district, Rajasthan, this extraordinary singer is a living legacy of Indian classical music. Batool developed a deep passion for music in her childhood. Despite facing social and economic challenges, she continued her singing.
Her melodious voice and her passion for music not only earned her recognition as an artist but also proved that talent can break all barriers. Her art is a source of inspiration for her community and the entire Rajasthan.
Abdul Salam Johar: A lac bangle maker who received global recognition
The vibrant spirit of India’s Pink City, Jaipur, doesn’t only emanate from its colours and people but also from the traditional handicrafts that are made and sold here. Bangles worth lakhs are made in these streets, which are a symbol of the traditional beauty and hard work of thousands of its people.
Abdul Salam Johar is one such artist who not only preserved the traditional art of the State but also brought about a social change in a major way. Coming from the Manihar community, Johar was born in a family with little means, but his dreams were extraordinary. Seeing the struggles of his grandfather Hafiz Mohammad Ismail and parents Haji Abdul Aziz and Hajjan Qamar Jahan, he made hard work, dedication, and social service the main mantra of his life.
He began his journey from his ancestral shop ‘Indian Kangan and Colour Store’ located in Tripolia Bazaar of Jaipur, and today his wares are being sold under brands ‘Johar Design’, ‘Johar King’ and ‘Indian Crafts’ in the global markets. He is not only a successful entrepreneur, but also a social reformer who took his community and traditional art to new heights.
Abdul Latif ‘Arco’: A confluence of business and social service
Abdul Latif, who lives in Chini ki Burj in the capital Jaipur, and is known as ‘Arko’ in Rajasthan, is one such special personality. Born in a small village of Chomu in 1946, Abdul Latif’s father, Rahmatullah, and mother, Hafijan, taught him hard work, honesty, and the passion to help people, which became the basis of his life.
His company, Abdul Razzaq & Company (ARCO), is today a big name for social service along with electric motors, fans, and coolers. Apart from this, his hotel, ARCO Palace, is a symbol of his hard work and foresight. Abdul Latif’s story is not just of a businessman, but of a person who chose to work as a changemaker by combining his business and social responsibilities.
Qazi Nishat Hussain: A new voice breaking stereotypes
The voice rising from a small office located in the narrow streets of Johri Bazaar in Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, is today inspiring society to change. This voice is of Nishat Hussain, Rajasthan’s first Muslim female Qazi, social worker, and a strong advocate of the rights of Muslim women.
Her life journey is an example of courage, struggle, and change, which not only made thousands of women aware but also gave them a new direction to live.
Born in Sitabari Mohalla of Karauli district, Nishat’s childhood was spent in an environment of communal harmony. His family was the only Muslim family in the neighbourhood. There were three temples in front of her house. She says, “We did not know who was a Hindu and who was a Muslim.” In a backward area like Karauli, where girls’ education was not given importance, Nishat created history. She became the first Muslim girl in the district to pass the tenth standard, that too as the only Muslim student among 1200 girls. Today, she has become a torchbearer of the rights of Muslim women.
Captain Mirza Mohtasim Baig and Ruby Khan: An Inspiring couple in social service
An inspirational couple, Captain Mirza Mohtasim Baig and his wife Ruby Khan, hail from Jaipur. Captain Mirza is the first Muslim pilot of Rajasthan and has been operating national and international flights for the last 25 years. At the same time, his wife Ruby is an active social worker and politician.
Both believe that if one wants to bring change in society, then he has to take the initiative. Together, they had organised medical camps, documentation camps, free ration distribution, and offered financial help to families in the marriage of their daughters. The couple is an epitome of change brought about by spirited people.
Dr. Arif Khan: The village scientist who created history
Thirty-four years ago, a child was born in the small village of Masani in the Hanumangarh district of Rajasthan. Today, he is Dr. Arif Khan, a scientist who has brought laurels to India. In his village, most of the people toiled in the fields. His father, Advocate Farid Khan, wanted his son to become a doctor. His mother and grandfather also had the same dream. But there were few schools in Masani, and the path to making dreams come true was difficult. Still, Arif had a passion to do something extraordinary in his life.
With his hard work and dedication, he became a bio-scientist and brought glory to his family and village. His research on milk and food products brought a wave of change. His story proves that if the intentions are strong, then even a boy from a small village can become a scientist and make the country feel proud.
Mainuna Nargis: First Shia Muslim woman in art conservation
In a vast country like India, art conservation is important since it not only preserves history but also connects future generations to our heritage. Mainuna Nargis, the country’s first and so far the only Shia Muslim woman art conservator, does the same work. Born in Bahjoi, a small town in Moradabad district of Uttar Pradesh, Maimuna’s childhood was ordinary, but her dreams were extraordinary. Rajasthan has now become Mainuna’s second home.
Her father, a Policeman in UP, always encouraged her. After studying Fine Arts from Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), she did a diploma in Museology, which became the most decisive turning point in her life. Maimuna’s story is not just of professional success, but a story of passion, struggle, and self-confidence, which revived the broken pieces of history.
Yoga Guru Naeem Khan: Global journey from music to yoga
The life journey of Yoga Guru Naeem Khan, who rose from the streets of Jodhpur, the cultural capital of Rajasthan, to spread his spiritual aura on international platforms, is a unique example. He rose from a common man to a global yoga guru and presented yoga as a universal energy beyond religion, culture, and boundaries.
Naeem Khan was born in a family where music was in every breath. His grandfather, Ustad Umardin Khan, was the court musician of the Jodhpur royal family, while his maternal uncle was Padma Bhushan-awarded Sarod player Ustad Sultan Khan. However, with changing times, that traditional flame of music started to fade. Naeem and his brother got involved in business, but yoga gave Naeem a new direction, and he took it to a global platform.
Syed Anwar Shah: A man who introduced girls to education
Thirty years ago, a dream was born in a small room in Jaipur, which has today become the light of education for thousands of girls. This is the story of Syed Anwar Shah, whom people fondly call Master Anwar Shah. He not only dreamt of his daughter’s education, but also made it a means of progress for the daughters of society.
Today his educational institution, Al-Jamia-tul Alia, is spreading the message of knowledge and Islamic ethics not only in Jaipur, but also in the whole of India and abroad. After completing his M.A. in Public Administration from Rajasthan University in 1980, he dedicated his entire life to the welfare of society and the service of education. In 1995, when his daughter Alia was born, he decided to set up an institution for the education of girls, which would impart both worldly and divine teachings.
Today, his effort has become a boon for thousands of families.
Padma Shri Shakir Ali: Patron of Miniature Painting
It’s no exaggeration to say that Jaipur is the art capital of Rajasthan. And in the field of miniature painting, the name of Syed Shakir Ali comes to the fore spontaneously. This genre of painting is an identity of the state of Rajasthan.
Padma Shri awardee Syed Shakir Ali is not only a great practitioner of this art, but he is also the guardian of that heritage, which is an integral part of the cultural identity of Rajasthan. Born in 1956 in Jalesar village of Uttar Pradesh, Shakir Ali’s family soon settled in Jaipur, where his art got a new direction.
Today, he has given recognition to this traditional art of Rajasthan not only in India but also on international platforms.
source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> The Changemakers / by Aasha Khosa, ATV / September 14th, 2025
Dr Hamid Ashraf receives the Prestigious A.R. Seth Award for Research on Gestational Diabetes at the 54th Annual Conference of the Endocrine Society of India (ESI), held in Kolkata
Aligarh:
Dr Hamid Ashraf, a distinguished faculty member at the Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Diabetes and Endocrinology, Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), has been honoured with the prestigious A.R. Seth Award at the 54th Annual Conference of the Endocrine Society of India (ESI), held in Kolkata.
The A.R. Seth Award, among the highest recognitions in Indian endocrinology, is conferred annually on researchers and clinicians for outstanding contributions to the understanding and treatment of hormonal and metabolic disorders.
Dr. Ashraf received the award for his pioneering research on maternal health, particularly on identifying early metabolic markers of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). His study revealed an alarming trend of dysglycemia in over 40 percent of pregnant women in the region, highlighting the urgent need for reliable predictive markers to ensure early detection and better fetomaternal outcomes.
“This recognition is not mine alone but belongs to the entire team that made this research possible,” Dr. Ashraf said, acknowledging the support of colleagues from the Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and Pediatrics at AMU, along with the contributions of students and patients who participated in the study.
Experts at the conference lauded his findings as a significant step in addressing one of India’s most pressing public health challenges.
source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Pride of the Nation> Awards / by Radiance News Bureau / September 10th, 2025
Senior writer, multilingual scholar and progressive thinker Prof. M. Karimuddin (95) passed away at his home in Ganjam, Srirangapatna on Saturday morning due to age-related illness.
Karimuddin, who was unmarried, had served as a Kannada professor and later as a principal in government degree colleges in Mysore, Mandya, Madikeri and elsewhere before retiring.
A student of Kuvempu, he had studied Kannada, English, Urdu, Persian, Arabic and Sanskrit.
He had written many works including Orphan Muslims, Sanchita Chintana, and Baalu Baddu. Many of his thought-provoking speeches on All India Radio were popular. ‘Prof. Karimuddin’s Life and Literature’ was the text for students of class 9 who were studying Kannada as a second language in Urdu medium.
A good orator, Karimuddin was actively involved in farmer, Dalit, pro-Kannada, progressive, and anti-idiotic movements even in his later years. His ancestors were relatives of Tipu Sultan.
Karimuddin, who retired as a Kannada professor at Maharaja’s College, Mysore, was well-versed in Kannada grammar, Old Kannada and New Kannada literature.
He had also done a lot of research on Tipu Sultan. It is said that he had written many collected works on the history of Tipu Sultan.
His friend Prof. Nanjaraja Urs expressed his condolences, saying that his death is a huge loss to the Kannada nation.
Chief Minister’s condolences
“I am saddened to hear the news of the death of senior writer and popular professor Prof. M. Karimuddin. A simple gentleman, Prof. Karimuddin used to help educate the children of the poor. I also share in the grief of his family. I pray that God may grant peace to his soul.”
– Chief Minister Siddaramaiah
ಹಿರಿಯ ಸಾಹಿತಿ ಮತ್ತು ಜನಪ್ರಿಯ ಪ್ರಾಧ್ಯಾಪಕರಾಗಿದ್ದ ಪ್ರೊ.ಎಂ.ಕರಿಮುದ್ದೀನ್ ಅವರ ಸಾವಿನ ಸುದ್ದಿ ತಿಳಿದು ದು:ಖವಾಯಿತು.
ಸರಳ ಸಜ್ಜನರಾಗಿದ್ದ ಪ್ರೊ. ಕರಿಮುದ್ದೀನ್ ಅವರು ಬಡವರ ಮಕ್ಕಳ ಶಿಕ್ಷಣಕ್ಕೆ ನೆರವಾಗುತ್ತಿದ್ದರು. ಅವರ ಕುಟುಂಬ ವರ್ಗದ ದು:ಖದಲ್ಲಿ ನಾನೂ ಭಾಗಿಯಾಗಿದ್ದೇನೆ.
When a journalist is eulogized in a function by speakers after speakers wherein a book critically analysing his works and personality is being released then it is but natural that tears of joy start rolling down the journalist’s cheeks.
Such was the case with the well-known Urdu journalist Arif Aziz of Bhopal when at the fag end of the function of releasing the book on him entitled “Arif Aziz – Ek Tajzia” (Arif Aziz – An Analysis) here he was asked to speak after the dignitaries on the dais one by one lauded his journalistic and literary services spanning over 40 years. He was overwhelmed by the occasion as the cup of love was brimming or even overflowing. When he rose to address the assemblage he found his voice virtually chocked and eyes welled up with tears. He was seen sobbing involuntarily while standing mute for a minute or two as volunteers ran helter-skelter to fetch water so that he could wet his parched throat. Another volunteer fetched a tissue paper to help him wipe off his tears and gain composure to be able to speak a few words on the occasion.
Arif Aziz, the “Son of the Soil”, struggling for words told the jam-packed Hindi Bhavan auditorium in a chocked voice that whatever has been said about his works and personality is an exaggeration. He is not an iconic figure to be showered such praises upon him by his well-wishers.
“Whatever I did in my life as a journalist I did it with all my honesty and sincerity and saw to it that the profession to which he belonged does not get blotted by his actions”, he added.
He gave credit for his success to his journalist colleague Ashfaque Mashhadi Nadwi. The book concept on him is the brain child of Ashfaque Mashhadi and Urdu litterateur Dr. Akhlaque Asar. It was brought into reality by another journalist colleague Inamullah Khan Lodhi and Arif Aziz’s daughter Mardia Arif, who is also a writer in her own right, as they painstakingly compiled the write-ups and essays on him, he revealed.
“Hajji Mohammad Haroon, president of Jamiat-e-Ulma-e-Hind, Madhya Pradesh unit, placed the icing on the cake by organising such a grand function for me that I did not deserve”, he remarked.
Without any doubt the book releasing function was a glamorous and glittering with eminent writers, columnists cutting across language barriers, and famed personalities who graced the occasion.
Arif Aziz’s friends, well-wishers and relatives also thronged the venue in large numbers to make it a most memorable occasion. Not only this outstation relatives, fans and Urdu lovers in large numbers too made it a point to attend the function to make it a memorable one. Apart from Delhi people from Indore, Sagar, Vidisha, Ashta, Sironj, Sehore etc. participated in the function. The representatives of a number of literary organisations and individuals poured out their love for Arif Aziz on the occasion and mobbed him with bouquets, garlands and gifts. Congress MLA Arif Aqueel draped him with a shawl around his shoulders to honour him. About a dozen tiny-tots also did not lag behind and felicitated him with flowers.
It is noteworthy that as the function was moving along telephonic congratulatory messages of Arif Aziz’s friends and fans from across the border poured in hailing his exemplary journalistic journey.
It has been seen that one’s services are usually extolled after one’s death but Arif Aziz is fortunate enough that his untiring efforts were recognized in his lifetime and he saw this all with his own eyes.
The 384 pages book “Arif Aziz — Ek Tajzia” is a voluminous bunch of essays on the personality, services and dedication of authentic, revered writer and Urdu journalist Arif Aziz. It has been compiled by journalist Inamullah Lodhi and Mrs. Mardiya Arif.
The function of the release of the book was organised under the aegis of Maulana Barkatullah Bhopali Education and Social Welfare Society, Bhopal with its president Hajji Mohammad Haroon and his team leaving no stone unturned to make the occasion of the book release a big and a grand success.
Arif Aziz is Special Correspondent of “Nadeem”, the oldest Urdu daily of Bhopal. He is a voracious writer and has authored nine books on various subjects. Daily columns written by him are reproduced by over a dozen national and international Urdu newspapers. He has written over 20,000 articles in the last 40 years of his journalistic life. He has been decorated with All India Hakeem Syed Qamarul Hasan Award of Madhya Pradesh Urdu Academy and 30 other national and state level awards.
The books authored by Arif Aziz include: 1. Nabz-e-Dauran — Anthology of more than 70 essays on Political, Social & Current topics (1994); 2. Zikr-e-Jameel — Comprising of 38 Bio-Sketches published by Madhya Pradesh Urdu Academy, Bhopal (1995); 3. Qadr-o-Qeemat — Anthology of more than 45 critical essays and research papers (1997); 4. Talash-o-Ta’assur — 19 Critical and research papers (1999); 5. Masajid-e-Bhopal — Historical facts of the mosques of world & especially of Bhopal (2003); 6. Had-de-Nigah — An Anthology of 51 Essays on political science & current topics ((2004); 7. Suraj, Chand, Sitare — comprising of 47 Bio-Sketches published by M.P. Urdu Academy, Bhopal (2004); 8. Musafir-e-Haram — Hajj Pilgrimage description (2006) and 9. Azad Hind Mein Urdu Sahafat — from 1947 to 2006 under the project of Makhanlal Chaturvedi Patrkarita Vishvidhayalaya, Bhopal (2010).
The function was presided over by renowned theologian (Aalim-e-Deen), Hazarat Maulana Mohammad Saeed Mujaddadi (popularly known as Peer Saeed Miyan), Rector Dar-ul-Uloom, Taj-ul-Masajid, Bhopal while the chief guest on the occasion was Aziz Qureshi, ex-Governor of Uttrakhand, Uttar Pradesh and Mizoram.
Other guests and dignitaries who participated in the function included: BJP-ruled Madhya Pradesh Home Minister Babulal Gaur; BJP Lok Sabha member from Bhopal Alok Sanjar; Congress MLA Arif Aqueel; Urdu litterateur Prof. Afaq Ahmad; Dr. Tariq Zafar, Vice Chancellor Bhoj Open University, Bhopal; Dr. Khalid Mehmood, ex-Head of Urdu Department, Jamia Millia Islamia, Delhi; Barkatullah University Arabic Prof. Hassan Khan; Maulana (Dr.) Iqbal Masood Nadwi (Islamic Centre, Canada); Senior journalists Masoom Moradabadi (Editor, Urdu daily Jadid Khabar, & fortnightly Khabardaar Jadid, Delhi); Siraj Naqvi, (Rashtriya Sahara, Delhi) and Rajkumar Keswani (Bhopal). Introduction about the book was presented by Prof. Afaq Hasan Siddiqui.
Hazarat Maulana Mohammad Saeed Mujaddadi, Aziz Qureshi, Babulal Gaur, Alok Sanjar, Prof. Afaq Ahmad, Dr. Khalid Mehmood, Alok Sanjar, Dr. Tariq Zafar, and Hajji Mohammad Haroon released the book amidst thunderous applause.
Masoom Moradabadi, Editor of Urdu daily Jadid Khabar & fortnightly Khabardaar Jadid, Delhi, while lauding Arif Aziz and his works strongly pleaded that the veteran journalist be honoured with the Padam Shree award for his yeoman services in the field of Urdu journalism for the last 40 years. He compared him with legendry India’s Freedom Struggle’s first journalist martyr Moulvi Muhammad Baqir, who was editor of Delhi Urdu Akhbar and a great advocate of Hindu Muslim unity. Freedom Fighter Maulvi Baqir was arrested for revolt and without being tried, on September 16, 1957 was tied to the mouth of a canon and was publicly blown up in front of the Khooni Darwaza in Delhi.
Siraj Naqvi, another senior journalist of Rashtriya Sahara, Delhi, also urged that Arif Aziz must be decorated with the Padam Shree award in recognition of his services by the government of the day.
Dr. Tariq Zafar, Vice Chancellor of Bhoj Open University, read out a citation in recognition of Arif Aziz’s services and presented it to him.
Speaking as a chief guest on the occasion Aziz Qureshi while extolling the contribution of Arif Aziz in Urdu journalism and literature lamented that after India’s Independence in 1947 Urdu language has languished due to government’s apathy which history will never forgive. Without batting an eye lid he said that in a calculated move after Independence a campaign was launched to wipe out Urdu. He revealed the campaign was started by the then Union Home Minister Pandit Govind Ballabh Pant, who was responsible for the establishment of Hindi as an official language of the Central government and a few states while dumping Urdu into oblivion. The process started from Uttar Pradesh and is still continuing despite court’s order declaring Urdu as second official language in the state.
In another revelation on the occasion Qureshi informed that after the first war of independence in 1857 the ruler of Bhopal Begum Sikandar Jahan had declared Urdu, in place of Persian, as the official language of her government for the convenience of her Hindu subjects. In the development of Urdu language the contributions of Hindus cannot be ignored, he added.
Maulana Saeed Mujaddadi while presiding over the function blessed Arif Aziz for fulfilling his responsibilities with all sincerity. He prayed he would continue to strive to serve the Muslim community through his journalistic efforts and the Almighty Allah (S) will guide him in all his endeavours.
Home Minister Babulal Gaur, special guest on the occasion, also lauded Arif Aziz’s simple life, his write-ups on social issues and dedication to Urdu journalism. He said he never indulged in yellow journalism for material gains.
At the outset Hafiz Qari Hashim Ansari recited verses from the Holy Quran. Urdu poets Iqbal Baidaar and Zafar Naseemi rendered poetic tributes in praise of Arif Aziz which was applauded by the audience. Khalique Siddiqui and jeweller Sheetal Bhai Soni presented gifts to him on the occasion. In the end Adv. Mohammad Kaleem proposed a vote thanks.
source: http://www.twocircles.net / TwoCircles.net / Home> India News> Indian Muslim> Literature> Top Story / by Pervez Bari, TwoCircles.net / September 04th, 2015
