Dr Anwar Siddiqui, head of Panchakarma at Shri KR Pandav Ayurveda College and founder of Kerala Ayurveda & Panchakarma, received the Influential Ayurvedacharya Award from Sakal and Baidyanath. The award recognized his contributions to Ayurvedic medicine and social service.
The event was attended by Union minister Nitin Gadkari, Baidyanath’s managing director Suresh Sharma, and 45 leading Ayurveda doctors from across India. Dr Siddiqui, a BAMS and MD in Panchakarma from Poddar Government Ayurveda College in Mumbai, also holds a Master’s degree in Sanskrit. He has authored the book Ayurvedic Detoxification in Obesity, published in Germany.
With more than two decades of practice, Dr Siddiqui has gained recognition for treating chronic illnesses through Panchakarma therapy. During the Covid-19 pandemic, he helped set up a free hospital in Pachpaoli, strengthening his reputation for service to both healthcare and the community. Dr Siddiqui is a prominent leader associated with Jamaat-e-Islami Hind and a member of its Maharashtra State Advisory Council.
source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Latest News> Report / by Radiance News Bureau / August 24th, 2025
Ruha Shadab in the center (Wearing black top and jeans) with her team
Ruha Shadab acquired a degree in medicine from the Lady Harding Medical College, New Delhi, before joining Harvard University for higher studies. She along with her team at Ledby Foundation are working towards empowering Indian Muslim women to be gainfully employed and become independent. Awaz-The Voice Editor-in-Chief Atir Khan spoke to her about her work. Excerpts:
What was the intent behind starting Ledby Foundation?
There were many reasons why we started Ledby Foundation. The primary reason was that I hardly saw any Muslim women in the offices that I had worked in. Also, the overall socioeconomic indicators of our community made me feel compelled to start this. But the story most close to my heart is that of my mother, who, I think is one of the most intelligent people that I know. Many people like her are there in a community who weren’t able to realize their intellect and develop their professional dreams.
So that was something that influenced me as I started my early career and then went on to do better at Harvard. But I got time to think about what I want to do with my life, and what kind of social impact I needed to create. And I always knew that I wanted to create a social impact for the Muslim community, especially for women. As I spent more time thinking about what I could do for the community I ended up on the idea of professional empowerment of Indian Muslim women and supporting them in the workforce.
Sky was the limit for you at Harvard; you could have chosen to work in any other field. Why did you choose to do what you’re doing?
Even my medical background of becoming a doctor had to do with creating social impact. That was my goal from the beginning. The progression from doing medicine to doing global health to working on policy and helping improve Indian society has just been a natural transition to what I think can have the most impact. And as to why Muslim women, it is one of my core identities, I thought there is a strong need, and if we don’t do it, who else will? I remember when I was 14-year-old I used to tell my mother that I wanted to go to Africa to help people who were suffering from poverty and hunger.
And she said why don’t you first fix your own backyard first? There is so much that needs to be done in India, so much that needs to be done in our community. So, that made me pause and reflect and that’s what brought me here.
Ruha Shadab
Many people must be asking you why you only choose to work to empower Muslim women. Why not others?
Yes, there have been all combinations of questions. Why Muslim women? Why not Muslim men? Why not Hindu women, and X, Y, Z combination? Right. The truth is that I think of this almost from a doctor’s mindset. So, what is the issue that you’re trying to solve? The issue that we’re trying to solve is underemployment, the lack of job opportunities, and the lack of converting your education into employment.
As a Muslim woman, somebody might say, why don’t you work for the education and employment of women from other communities in India? Why only focus on Muslim women? And that’s true. India has one of the lowest female labor force participation rates in the world. And my answer to that is to think of it as seeing two patients in your clinic.
If both patients show up you can give them paracetamol. But as a doctor, I’m also going to run diagnostic tests on them and try to understand what is the underlying cause, what is the underlying disease that they have and then give them specific treatment.
One might have a bacterial infection; one might have a viral infection. Under different segments, different combinations of communities might be suffering from some of the macro issues we have in India with unemployment and job availability. But the reason is that they are not able to realize those opportunities or those unknown opportunities before us.
Ruha Shadab (extreme right) with her team members
So, the root causes differ. And then building on this, you don’t have targeted interventions focused on these root causes. You will not be able to meaningfully address them and solve them. You need to have at least focused approaches to solving that unique set of root causes that is hindering them from getting full participation in India’s workforce.
The constitution of your Ledby foundation is quite interesting. Your team members are Hindu and you have people from other faiths for the cause of empowering Muslim women. Isn’t it great? In today’s world where every community is looking inwards and they’re busy thinking about themselves?
It’s very validating. My chief operating officer is not from the Muslim community. 20% of our 120 advisers and residents are non-Muslims. 100 out of 500 of our volunteers are non-Muslims. And that just goes to show that the narrative that we are told about our country and our brethren in the country is not entirely true.
If you put your head, you will be surprised to see how many people are willing to stand up and support you. And I think that is what this shows. It also shows that supporting Indian Muslim women is not just important if you are an Indian Muslim woman, but it is in the interest of every Muslim woman, and every Indian to ensure that this unity can realize its dreams today.
Absolutely. Very important point. You know, it’s the intent and the good leadership, that you have, these are the things that matter the most. And when reach out to people irrespective of their faiths people come and support you. You have to have a good cause; people are always there to support you. Tell us more about your programs at Ledby Foundation.
Sure. So, our programs are completely virtual fellowships that we offer to Muslim women who are either in college or in the early stages of their careers. Think of it as if you are 18 to 20 years old and an Indian Muslim woman, then getting into one of the best professional development programs is probably in your best interest to expedite your professional career. There are several components to it. So, one component is online training programs that help you with, your interpersonal skills, your communication skills, and some of the basics of being able to find jobs, reach out to people, submit an excellent CV, and do interview preps.
Another workshop modules look at improving your negotiation skills. Our negotiation curriculum is developed in conjunction with Harvard professors who interviewed Indian women and developed case studies with Indian Muslim women as protagonists that we use to teach negotiations to our fellows. And then the third part, which is often cited as one of the long-lasting effects of the fellowships is our mentorship program. And our mentorship program is a 360-degree framework so each young Muslim woman who joins gets mentored.
The other aspect of the mentorship program is that each Muslim woman has to then have sessions with people in her class. And I would just say women are from across India. So, we have a very diverse group, even though we say Muslim women, it’s a very diverse Muslim women group and we get to speak to each other. The last part of this mentorship program is coaching at the school level over six months.
Ruha Shadab with the team of Ledby Foundation at a function
That’s amazing. Tell us how you make these students or candidates job-ready.
Our fellowship is very much about teaching people how to fish rather than giving them fish. So, we teach them how to identify the right opportunity, how to network with folks, and how to help them with an interview. And then we also have them practice interviews with us. They have access to facilitators, who help practice as you continue to progress.
So who are your stakeholders? Of course, the students, then you have the policymakers who are others you reach out to?
So, we try to bridge that supply-demand gap. We are creating a supply of highly skilled professional Indian Muslim women. And then we’re also making sure that there is a demand from companies to intentionally recruit and create a diverse workforce within their organizations. We bridge the gap between our fellows and companies that want to promote religious inclusion in India.
What is the kind of feedback you get from, say, policymakers and the corporate world when you approach them with this kind of information?
So, we usually try to approach them from a very fact-based point of view. We also carry out research to identify what are the barriers to entry and retention of Muslim women in India’s workforce. The research we conduct help a lot of companies see through a fresh perspective. So even if you educate Muslim women, that does not necessarily mean they have the same chances at employment. The company officials tell us that they never thought about this, they were never made to confront this reality. So, we meet them just to reflect.
Ruha Shadab with a support group of her Foundation
So what kind of support and responses you’re getting from people that you’re reaching out to?
Well, overall, it’s been positive. People are interested in understanding what we do, supporting us in even exploring the talent pool that we are creating. And we have several stories of women who’ve gotten recruited through our own pipeline to companies.
That’s wonderful. And there must be some very bright candidates you come across. We see there is an awareness among Muslim families even in small towns for pursuing higher education.
That’s true. There is a very strong drive and fire within the women that we meet. And we try to move more away from urban centers.
Right now, we are more focused on urban centers and ensure that we are able to move farther away from that in the future. And yes, we do see that. See, I think in addition to being pleasantly surprised at how many people from outside of the Muslim community are willing to help us, with very positive insights.
I’m sure that you inspired a lot of Muslim girls, you’re a big success story from India, an Indian who’s doing so well. Do you also think that we need to convey more such success stories to these aspiring girls to inspire them?
Absolutely. And I think what helped was having people believe in me, and we’re trying to make more Muslim women feel that they are heard and that somebody believes in their talent.
You’re doing deep thinking and you’re working in this field, what would be your appeal to the government and the corporate sector for improving the employability chances of Indian Muslim women?
My appeal would be to have intentionality behind getting more Muslim women into the workforce. The truth is that we shy away from talking about religious inclusion in India, which is strange. Because so much of our lived reality is a function of our religious identity. There is no distinction between the personal, the political, and the professional and it is incorrect to create these artificial distinctions.
source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Stories / by Atir Khan / February 29th, 2024
While media spotlight often shines on celebrities and politicians, the real engine of India’s progress runs on the resolve of countless unsung heroes who, away from limelight, quietly transform society.
From national defense to grassroots education, sports, science, and civil service, these individuals from Uttar Pradesh show how courage, compassion, and conviction can drive extraordinary change. Here are 10 such trailblazers whose stories deserve to be heard:
Captain Sariya Abbasi: A Woman in Uniform on the Frontlines
Hailing from a small city of Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, Captain Sayria Abbasi broke every convention to join the Indian Army. A graduate in Genetic Engineering and with plenty of job offers and career opportunities from big companies was not enough for her to pursue in life. The call of service for the motherland was too strong to be sacrificed.
The world noticed her as a soldier deployed at the Line of Actual Control (LAC), India-China temporary border, manning an Air Gun. Today, Sariya leads drone-killer teams and operates L-70 anti-aircraft guns on the border. Her journey from an academic achiever to a defender of the nation’s borders is not just about military precision; it’s about shattering glass ceilings and reshaping how India imagines women in uniform.
Dr. Faiyaz Ahmad Fyzie: Voice for the Voiceless Pasmanda Community
Dr. Faiyaz Ahmad Fyzie, an AYUSH physician, is more than a healer—he is a public intellectual, columnist, translator, and relentless advocate for the Pasmanda (socially backward) Muslim community. Raised in modest conditions, his rise to national recognition is built on fearless writing and tireless grassroots work.
When even the Prime Minister refers to Pasmanda voices, Fyzie’s years of advocacy resonate. His pen continues to empower those whose struggles were long silenced. His work is a call to conscience—and a roadmap for inclusive discourse.
Mohammad Luqman Ali: Wrestling His Way to Glory and Degree
Wrestler Mohammad Luqman Ali, a student of Social Work at Jamia Millia Islamia, is balancing body and brain. Born in Amroha’s tiny village of Mohraka Patti, his father worked on the railways, and his mother gave him religious grounding. Despite limited resources, Luqman’s grit has earned him recognition in India’s wrestling circles.
From the mat to the classroom, his dual commitment shows that excellence doesn’t require compromise. It requires discipline, heart—and a family’s belief in you.
Rubina Rashid Ali: Reviving Mughal-Era Art with a Modern Mission
In a sun-drenched corner of Aligarh, Rubina Rashid Ali has quietly built a movement. Her work in floral appliqué embroidery, a legacy of Mughal art, now supports dozens of women in Aligarh and Rampur. What was once an undervalued craft monopolized by middlemen has been transformed by Rubina into a vehicle for women’s economic empowerment.
Her home resonates not only with the sound of needles and threads but also with the hum of independence. “Real artists were reduced to laborers,” she says. Today, she ensures their hands are not just working — but also earning.
Babban Mian: A Gaushala Keeper Inspired by His Mother’s Love
At Madhu Sudan Gaushalla in Bulandshahr, Babban Mian tends to cows not out of ritual, but reverence — inspired by his late mother Hamidunnisa Begum. “She loved cows like her own children,” he recalls. After she passed away in 2015, Babban vowed to preserve her legacy.
Despite being a Muslim in a Hindu-dominated tradition, he runs a government-recognized shelter rooted in compassion, not controversy. For him, animal welfare is a universal value — not a communal issue. His work quietly redefines what shared culture and interfaith harmony look like.
Khushboo Mirza: From Amroha to the Moon with ISRO
Khushboo Mirza, scientist at ISRO and part of the Chandrayaan-1 and Chandrayaan-2 missions, is a stellar example of perseverance. After her father’s death when she was just seven, her mother raised three children alone, running a petrol pump and defying social norms.
Khushboo earned a Gold Medal in Electronics Engineering from AMU and was the youngest member of the Chandrayaan-1 checkout team. A practicing Muslim and a symbol of India’s scientific aspirations, she turned down corporate offers to reach for the stars—and took a whole generation of girls with her.
Zaheer Farooqui: A People’s Leader with a Vision for Purkazi
In western UP’s Purkazi, Zaheer Farooqui is rewriting what local leadership means. As Nagar Panchayat Chairperson, he donated land worth ₹1.5 crore for the area’s first Intermediate College and modernized local schools into PM Shri-certified institutions.
His initiatives go beyond classrooms. From India’s first double-storey government-run cow shelter to a gym for Muslim women, and one of the most sophisticated rural CCTV networks in the region — Farooqui’s governance is a blend of tradition and tech, equity and empowerment. His Tiranga Yatra revives local history, reminding citizens that patriotism is inclusive and action-oriented.
Dr. Farah Usmani: From AMU to Global Health Leadership
On a cold morning in New York, Dr. Farah Usmani stood outside an apartment, a folder in hand, her eyes bright with resolve. The daughter of Uttar Pradesh, she is today a formidable presence in global health policy.
n M.D. in Obstetrics & Gynecology from AMU, Farah sought impact beyond hospital walls. Armed with a Master’s in Health Policy from LSE and the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, she’s led transformative health initiatives around the world. Her journey is one of intellect guided by idealism — a doctor who chose not just to heal individuals but to reform systems.
Anjum Ara: Bridging Communities Through Compassionate Policing
Hailing from Azamgarh’s Kamharia village, Anjum Ara, a 2012-batch IPS officer, has redefined the image of policing with a human touch. A computer engineer by training, her journey from Integral University to Senior Superintendent of Police in Shimla has been marked by integrity and reform. Known for her work in cybercrime and her community-focused policing model, Anjum is also a fierce advocate for girls’ education.
Together with her husband, IAS officer Yunus Khan, Anjum adopted the cause of Khushdeep, the daughter of a martyred soldier, pledging to support her upbringing. This act of empathy mirrors her professional ethos, proactive, principled, and deeply people-centered.
Mumtaz Khan: From Vegetable Stall to World Hockey Stage
From the bustling alleys of Lucknow’s Cantt area to the turf fields of South Africa, Mumtaz Khan’s journey is pure grit. Once helping her father at a vegetable stall, a single race at school changed her life when Coach Neelam Siddiqui noticed her speed. That moment set her on a course to become a leading forward in India’s Junior Women’s Hockey Team.
Her standout performance at the 2018 Youth Olympics, where she scored 10 goals, earned her national acclaim. Yet, Mumtaz remains rooted, balancing hope and humility as she eyes the Olympics. She is proof that dreams born in dusty streets can blaze across international arenas.
These ten changemakers hail from Uttar Pradesh, from narrow village lanes to bustling metros, from battlefields to laboratories. But they are united by one thing: quiet, relentless courage. In their lives, we find the India that persists, uplifts, and transforms—not with headlines, but with hard work.
At the launch of the book Indian Muslims’ Tryst with Democracy: Challenges and Opportunities at ICCR Library, Kolkata, academics and public figures underlined that meaningful improvements in government schools and hospitals could significantly uplift India’s Muslim community, especially its poorest segments.
Professor Abdul Matin of Jadavpur University stressed that socio-economic realities leave many Muslims dependent on failing public services. “We keep saying Muslims lag in education — but how do we fix it? When families earn only ₹8,000–₹10,000 a month, they cannot afford private schools. They rely on government schools, which have deteriorated so much that students rarely move up in life,” he said.
Matin pointed out that this crisis is not limited to rural Bengal but also affects Muslim-majority urban areas such as Metiabruz, Khidirpur, Topsia, Park Circus, and Raja Bazar. Once-active Kolkata Municipal Corporation schools, he noted, have shut down, worsening access. The state’s public education system, weakened by years of political interference, has hit all low-income communities hard — with Muslims among the worst affected.
He also painted a bleak picture of healthcare: “In rural Bengal, people travel overnight and queue from midnight for a doctor’s appointment. We must revive mohalla-level schools and clinics.”
Jawhar Sircar, former Rajya Sabha MP and bureaucrat, urged the community to prioritise education over religious symbolism and to resist being reduced to a political vote bank. He encouraged Muslims to join democratic, secular movements fighting to restore India’s plural ethos. On the castecensus, Sircar advised patience, saying its 2026 release could be a “game changer” for the community.
Political activist and CPM leader Saira Shah Halim spoke bluntly about systemic discrimination, citing examples from both Delhi and Kolkata. On housing bias, she noted: “People say Muslims are ghettoised — but do they have a choice?” She also criticised the absence of certain MPs, including secular leaders, during critical parliamentary debates on Muslim concerns such as the CAA and the abrogation of Article 370.
From a historical and political perspective, Prof Maidul Islam of the Centre for Studies in Social Sciences, Calcutta, traced a steady decline in Muslim political representation — in the Lok Sabha since 1980 and in the Bengal Assembly since 2011. He alleged that parties deliberately withhold tickets from Muslim candidates, echoing warnings made decades ago by B.R. Ambedkar. The lack of progressive leadership, he argued, further limits the community’s advancement.
The book itself — Indian Muslims’ Tryst with Democracy — offers a detailed examination of these socio-political dynamics, combining historical insight with policy recommendations. Described by speakers as “a guide for collective action,” it lays out both the challenges and the concrete opportunities available for India’s Muslims to achieve equitable development.
You can order a copy from Atlantic Publishers & Distributors Pvt. Ltd 7/22, Ansari Road, Darya Ganj, New Delhi – 110002. Email- aparna@atlanticbooks.com – Phone: 011-40775252 Website: www.atlanticbooks.com
source: http://www.theindianawaaz.com / The Indian Awaaz / Home> Quami Awaaz / August 13th, 2025
Bangalore’s own Noor Ayesha, an award-winning educator and visionary school leader, has been admitted to Harvard University for advanced postgraduate studies in Education Leadership. She joins the globally renowned Harvard Graduate School of Education to further her lifelong mission of transforming education through value-based learning and holistic child development.
Founder, Vice-Chairperson, and Managing Director of the Iqra Group of Schools in Bangalore, Karnataka, India, which includes Iqra International School, Iqra Juniors, and Iqra British Academy. For over a decade, her schools have redefined education by blending academic excellence with character formation, nurturing young minds to become not only successful learners but also compassionate, ethical citizens.
Her admission to Harvard marks a historic milestone, not just for her but for the entire region, as it highlights the global recognition of her impactful work in education. Noor’s leadership journey continues to inspire educators, parents, and youth, especially young women leaders striving to create change through education.
Quoting the famous line from the Spider-Man movie, Noor often reminds her team: “With great power comes great responsibility,” and she adds her powerful extension: “With great responsibility comes even greater accountability.” She believes educators carry the moral responsibility of shaping future generations and must be held accountable for the world they help create.
“As educators, we hold the power to shape the future,” says Noor. “My goal is to establish value-based schools across the world that nurture responsible, purpose-driven individuals who will lead with integrity and compassion.”
Her selection by Harvard is a proud moment for Bangalore, and a testament to the power of purpose-driven leadership in education.
source: http://www.thecognate.com / The Cognate / Home> Education / by The Cognate News Desk / August 11th, 2025
Anjuman Boys High School, managed by Anjuman Hami-e-Muslimeen, organised Tribute Talks 2025, a digital contest held in memory of the late Mohtisham Mohammed Yaseen, a respected tutor, mentor and role model for students of the institution.
According to a press statement, eighteen students took part in the event, which was described as a heartfelt effort to honour the legacy and guidance of the late educator. The sudden demise of Yaseen continues to be felt within the school community, leaving a void among staff and students.
As part of the tribute, the “Mohtisham Mohammed Yaseen Memorial Award” was conferred on Mohammed Jasim, son of Umar Javeed Tonse, in the senior category, and Muhammed Tahu, son of Abdul Majid Shabandri, in the junior category for classes six and seven.
The statement added that recognition was also given to students whose digital presentations received the highest online engagement, with Zainulabideen Unais, son of Mohiddin Anas Siddiahmeda, and Ahmed Arham, son of Abdul Basit Ruknuddin, being honoured.
The school management stated that the award was not only a recognition of student talent but also a promise to uphold the values and inspiration left behind by Mohtisham Mohammed Yaseen.
source: http://www.english.varthabharati.in / Vartha Bharati / Home> Karavali / by Vartha Bharati / August 19th, 2025
For years M. Amjad of Patna worked at a jewellery purse-making agency, earning barely ₹5,000–6,000 a month – an amount too small to cover even the basic needs of his family.
In 2025, with financial support of ₹20,000 from ZCI–Patna, Amjad seized the opportunity to start on his own. Today, his earnings have more than doubled, giving his family both financial security and a sense of dignity.
Amjad’s journey is a shining example of how Zakat, when channelled with vision, becomes more than charity – it becomes a tool of empowerment. By enabling individuals to stand on their own feet, Zakat Centre India is fulfilling its mission of transforming recipients into contributors, and compassion into lasting change.
[The writer is Secretary (Hon.) Zakat Centre India-Patna]
source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Latest News> Social Service / by M Naushad Ansari / August 19th, 2025
For the past six days, Arif has been working tirelessly to rescue the victims, regardless of their faith, trapped under mounds of debris or washed away by torrents.
Arif Rashid during his rescue effort / The Telegraph
When fear and panic gripped Chositi village of Kishtwar on August 14, Arif Rashid went beyond the call of duty and put his life in danger to save lives, not caring who the victims were or where they came from.
A flash flood triggered by a cloudburst hit the remote mountain village last week, leaving behind a trail of destruction with scores dead and missing, more than 100 injured and homes, roads and bridges flattened.
Arif, who works as a driver for the free 108 ambulance service that works on a public-private partnership model, was a lucky survivor.
“It all unfolded in front of me. As I saw a mountain of water and debris unleashed on a small valley, I, like many others, started running for safety. But 10 minutes later, I realised there were a lot of people trapped under the debris and I should rush back,” Arif told The Telegraph over the phone from Kishtwar.
For the past six days, Arif has been working tirelessly to rescue the victims, regardless of their faith, trapped under mounds of debris or washed away by torrents. Hundreds of army, NDRF, police and CRPF personnel, along with several volunteers, have been helping in the rescue operation.
Multiple videos or pictures on social media paint Arif as a tireless rescuer. He lives in a village 25km from Chositi, both part of the larger Padder area of Kishtwar where Muslims are a small minority. Most of the victims were Hindu pilgrims.
Muslim-majority Kishtwar is a communally sensitive district in Jammu’s Chenab Valley, often in the news for the wrong reasons. But small efforts by individuals from both communities, like the one displayed by Arif, serve as a beacon of hope.
“I must have rescued 15 to 20 injured people and pulled several bodies from the debris. I first rescued an injured girl and several others. There were just two ambulances there, including ours. My ambulance was stuck in debris, but luckily only up to the tyres. With great effort, some of us pulled it out,” he said.
Moments later, he started shifting the injured towards the hospital, but the bridge nearby was damaged too. Ambulances started arriving from different places, and the injured were carried on shoulders to the other side of the damaged bridge before they were taken to the hospital.
On Monday, a video showed him and a few others lifting a body on a stretcher, walking through rocks, before tying it to a rope that was pulled by people on the other side of a stream. Arif said the body was found some 20km from Chositi.
“I am doing this all for the sake of humanity. For me, they are all humans and I do not think about anything else,” he said.
Also leading from the front are the volunteers of Ababeel, a group known for their assistance during emergencies in the Chenab Valley.
Syed Imran, a volunteer, said they camped in the village for five days. “There were more than 30 volunteers from our group, with nine ambulances, working in shifts. All these days we helped shift the deceased and injured to the hospitals,” he said.
The group has around 250 volunteers connected through WhatsApp, and among the first responders during calamities and accidents.
source: http://www.telegraphindia.com / The Telegraph Online / Home> India / by Muzaffar Raina / August 20th, 2025
Manipuri people are gloating over Sqn Ldr. Rizwan Malik, son of the soil, being awarded Vir Chakra for his role in accurately striking targets inside Pakistan in Operation Sindoor.
Rizwan Malik is from No.102 Sqn of the Indian Air Force. According to Chief Minister N Biren Singh he is son of Alhaj Hafizuddin and Alhajan Waheeda Rehman of village Kheikhu.
On the eve of Independence Day the government announced Vir Chakra for nine Indian Air Force brave hearts who struck military assets and terrorist hubs inside Pakistan during the Operation.
It’s for the first time in the Military history of India that Indian Air Force gets so many VCs for a single operation. It’s the third highest honour for war-time bravery and courage given to soldiers.
He flew Su-30Mki to hit Pakistani assets.
List of Vir Chakra awardees
Social media is full of praises for Rizwan Malik being conferred with VC along with eight other IAF pilot on the Republic Day.
A spree of congratulatory messages posted on social media started from Chief Minister N. Biren Singh:
Heartiest congratulations to Squadron Leader Rizwan Malik, son of Alhaj Hafizuddin and Alhajan Waheeda Rehman of Kheikhu, Manipur, on being awarded with the prestigious Vir Chakra for his heroic role in Operation Sindoor.
A former Maharaj of a Principality in Manipur also congratulated the son of the soil
A Big Congratulation 👏 🎉
Feel proud to have a son of soil like Squadron Leader Rizwan Malik of Keikhu, Manipur on being awarded with the prestigious Veer Chakra for his heroic role in OPERATION SINDOOR. pic.twitter.com/0fDxkIrfVn
— Maharaja Sanajaoba Leishemba. (@MaharajaManipur) August 14, 2025
A Rajasthan based defence analyst claimed Rizwan Malik had hit the Jaish-e-Muhammad headquarters in Bhawalpur, Punjab where an estimated 100 terrorists and their families died.
Border Security Force’s Sub-Inspector Mohd Imteyaj and Constable Deepak Chingakham were posthumously awarded Vir Chakra, the third highest war-time gallantry award – in recognition of their exceptional courage and self-less leadership in the face of adverse situation
Sub Inspector Mohammad Imteyaj was martyred on May 10, during cross-border firing along the International Border in RS Pura sector, Jammu and Kashmir.
Constable Deepak Chingakham hailed from Manipur. He sustained grave injuries during the exchange of fire with Pakistanis on the international border in RS Pura and laid down his life for the nation,
Imteyaj hailed from Narayanpur in Garkha, in Saran district of Bihar.
He was posted on the international border in Ranbirsinh Pura sector in Jammu. According to a Border Security Force (BSF) official, Sub-Inspector Mohammad Imtiyaz led the front bravely and made the supreme sacrifice.
He was buried with military honours in the cemetery located in Narayanpur village of Gadkha block of Saran district amid chanting of “Bharat Mata ki Jai” (Hail, mother India!). People showered their floral tributes on Imtiyaz’s body.
Mohammad Imtiyaz is survived by his wife, two sons, and two daughters. BSF said Mohammad Imtiyaz led from the front.
As soon as the news of Mohammad Imtiyaz’s martyrdom reached his home, initially his village and later the entire district went into mourning. A large crowd gathered outside his house; people were trying to show their sympathy to the family and gratitude to the brave son of the soil.
source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Stories / by Aasha Khosa, ATV / August 16th, 2025
