The Presidency Group of Institutions (PGI) hosted INSPIR’Ed Awards 2025 on Saturday on the Presidency University campus. The event honoured teaching and non-teaching staff for their contributions to education and service within the Presidency Institutions.
Author Anita Nair and former IPS officer and cybersecurity expert Sanjay Sahay were chief guests at the event. They emphasised the significant role educators play in national development.
Nafeesa Ahmed, Director of the Presidency Group of Institutions, spoke about the central role of teachers in guiding students and strengthening communities.
Kauser Nissar Ahmed, Founder Trustee, expressed appreciation for everyone involved in the growth of the Presidency Schools. Dr. Nissar Ahmed, Chairman of PGI and Founder Chancellor of Presidency University, reflected on his five-decade journey in the field of education.
Awards were presented in several categories, including: Long Service Award, Institutional Legacy Award, Best Teacher Award, Rising Star Award.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Bengaluru / by The Hindu Bureau / April 14th, 2025
Hina Saifi’s remarkable journey from rural roots to Climate Change Champion is an inspiring example of empowering change.
Hina Saifi pioneering Global Change Advocate reshaping rural realities
A youthful dreamer and a climate change activist named Hina Saifi has lit the route to long-term reform in the heart of Uttar Pradesh. She was born and reared in Sisola, a humble village in Meerut district. Her journey from a low-income family to a trailblazing advocate for climate education and action exemplifies the spirit of leadership that crosses borders. Hina Saifi’s United Nations association in the campaign known as #WeTheChangeNOW led her to be part and face of the campaign among the list of 17 climate change leaders.
Early Life and Education
Hina Saifi, Meerut’s resident, hails from Sisola, where education for girls is a formidable challenge.
Hina, the young climate leader, is currently pursuing MBA from the Bharti Institute of Technology, Meerut. She has reached this stage in life with her true dedication and willingness to break the stereotypical barriers of her village and change the existing mindsets.
Considering the situation of Sisola, an underdeveloped village in Uttar Pradesh, Hina couldn’t even imagine pursuing her studies post-8th grade, over a decade ago.
Managing to achieve complete school education, along with higher studies, Hina has showcased her limitless power and outshined on a national level for Women Climate Crusaders among 16 other women.
Hina Saifi, Women Climate Collective’s crucial member, has made a remarkable turn in her life. Her trajectory seemed predestined by the harsh realities of her village, where education was a luxury and the pursuit of higher learning was rare.
However, against all odds, Hina’s mother recognized the value of education and facilitated her journey to knowledge.
At such a young age, her thoughts align with personal as well as environmental growth and sustainability, which sets her apart from today’s youth.
“Poverty is rampant in my underdeveloped village, and child labor is common here. I, too, was advised to stop studying after I finished the eighth standard. However, I stuck to my decision to study further. To support myself through school and to help my family, I also worked part-time in a football factory”.
—– Hina Saifi
Hina Saifi: Championing Climate Education
22-year-old Hina Saifi’s journey into climate advocacy began with a realization that education was the cornerstone of addressing the multifaceted challenges troubling her village.
Armed with this insight, she set out on a quest to motivate children to attend school, thereby causing a small wave of awareness.
Partnering with local NGOs and the ‘Women Climate Collective’ (WCC), she found her voice in discussions about climate change, clean energy, and sustainability.
She was the first one from her village to move to Lucknow and be part of the Climate Agenda Initiative 2018.
Proud to be a member of Women Climate Collective, she supports the notion that addressing the climate crisis and fighting climate change is a collective responsibility of the people and not just that of the government alone.
Hina has also achieved an international recognition by her association with #WetheChangeNOW campaign by United Nations(UN) in India. The campaign showcases the climate based solutions devised by 17 young Indians that are innovative, sustainable and equitable, further focusing on strengthening engagements with governments and society.
The Hina Saifi Chronicles of Grassroots Change
Hina’s endeavors extended beyond education, culminating in the ‘Suraj Se Samriddhi’ campaign, launched by herself that spotlights solar power’s potential and advocates for cleaner energy solutions.
Her grassroots approach, encompassing workshops, speeches, and dialogues, has led to tangible change: cleaner streets, waste-free water bodies, and enhanced greenery. She acknowledges the intrinsic link between education and climate, recognizing their mutual capacity for transformation.
Hina’s belief in micro-behaviors as agents of monumental transformation underscores her leadership philosophy. By engaging with the village Pradhan and initiating innovative projects, she showcases the potential of individual actions to revolutionize communities.
Her involvement in the ‘100% Uttar Pradesh’ initiative reflects her dedication to the larger cause, emphasizing that collective progress stems from local commitment.
Hina Saifi: Empowering Change Through Climate Advocacy
Hina Saifi’s journey, stemming from her village’s challenges, inspires hope for a greener future. As a catalyst for change, her efforts stimulate broader dialogues concerning the representation of women’s voices in climate advocacy. Through platforms like the Women Climate Collective, her voice resonates beyond geographical boundaries, exemplifying the power of unity in tackling global challenges. From her humble origins in Sisola to her pivotal role within the Collective, Hina embodies the leadership needed for a brighter tomorrow. Her story showcases how determination and knowledge can bring about significant change.
source: http://www.leaderbiography.com / Leader Biography / Home> Featured> Featured Women / by Rahul Iyer
As many as 97 Muslims from across India have appeared in the UPSC Civil Services Interviews after cracking the Civil Services Mains 2024 exams and now looking for a spot in the Final Merit List to be released with results to be declared on upsconline.nic.in and upsc.gov.in any time after April 17, 2025.
[Grok 3 Image for Representation]
UPSC Civil Services Result 2024:
As many as 97 Muslims from across India have appeared in the UPSC Civil Services Interviews after cracking the Civil Services Mains 2024 exams and now looking for a spot in the Final Merit List to be released with results to be declared on upsconline.nic.in and upsc.gov.in any time after April 17, 2025.
UPSC Civil Services 2024 Result Date
The Union Public Service Commission had conducted the Civil Services Main Exam 2024 from September 20 to 29, 2024. According to the Civil Services Main result announced on December 9, 2024, around 2,845 candidates had passed the written exam and were called for Personal Interviews.
The Personal Interview is the final stage of selection for the coveted Civil Services Posts that include IAS, IPS, IRS IFS and others. The candidates are called for Interviews after they clear Civil Services Preliminary exam followed by CSE Mains.
The Personal Interviews of the UPSC Civil Services exams are scheduled from January 7 to April 17, 2025. Accordingly, the UPSC Civil Services 2024 Result could be announced any time after the last interview slot which is April 17.
Muslims Passing UPSC Mains
Out of the total 2,845 candidates who cleared the Civil Services Main 2024 exam and called for Personal Interview, some 97 are Muslims and they are now eying for a place in the final merit list.
This is around 28 less than their last tally in 2023 when some 125 Muslims had cleared the UPSC Main Exam and were called for interview.
On the other hand, around 2,529 candidates had cracked the Civil Services Prelims and Main exams and called for Personal Interviews in 2022. Among them 83 were Muslims .
Th representation of Muslims in UPSC has been consistently between 3 to 4% in decades. The Civil Services result of this year will show if this changes or remains the same.
(Disclaimer: The UPSC does not identify candidates by their religion. The above list has been compiled based on the names of candidates as mentioned in the UPSC Main result released by the Commission. Few names are Muslim sounding but are also used by people belonging to more than one religion. Accrodingly, this list is not final. Also some names might have been missing from the list, or if included, they might not be necessarily a Muslim.)
Year-wise Performance of Muslims in Civil Services
In 2023, a total of 1,016 candidates were recommended by the Union Public Service Commission for different Civil Services posts. Of them 51 were Muslims .
In 2022, a total number of 933 candidates were recommended for IAS, IPS, IFS, IRS and other civil services posts. Of them 30 were Muslims .
In 2021, a total of 685 were recommended in the UPSC Civil Services 2021 Merit List. Of them, 21 were Muslims. This was the worst performance of Muslim candidates in a decade .
On ther hand, a total of 31 Muslims had cracked the Civil Services Exam (CSE), also known as IAS exam, in 2020 when UPSC had recommended 761 candidates for the top CS posts.
In 2019, 42 Muslims had cracked the exam whereas in 2018 just 27 Muslims had made it to the final result.
The years 2016 and 2017 were the brightest period for Muslim candidates. In 2016, 52 Muslims figured in the list of successful candidates whereas in 2017 their tally was 50.
In 2015, 34 Muslims were among the 1,078 candidates recommended by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) whereas 38 Muslims were in the list of total 1,236 candidates in 2014.
In 2013, a total of 34 Muslims had cleared the exam, whereas in 2012, 30 Muslims were among the successful candidates, four of them were among top 100.
Similarly in 2012, 30 Muslims were among the successful candidates and in 2011, 31 Muslims were among the 920 selected for the civil services.
Likewise, in 2010 among the 875 successful candidates 21 were Muslims with Dr. Shah Faisal of Kashmir topping the exam at the national level.
In 2009, a total of 31 Muslims were in the list of 791 successful candidates.
As per the past records, the UPSC declares the Civil Services Final Result few days after the final phase of interview. Accordingly, candidates who are aspiring to become future IAS, IFS, IRS and other such posts can expect their result any time after April 17, 2025.
[The writer, Aleem Faizee, is Founder Editor and CEO of ummid.com. He can be reached at aleem.faizee@gmail.com]
source: http://www.ummid.com / Ummid.com / Home> Education & Career / by Aleem Faizee (some editing) / April 15th, 2025
The Anjuman Institute of Technology and Management (AITM), Bhatkal, successfully hosted the AITM CodeFest 2025, a 24-hour national-level hackathon that saw participation from student teams across the country. The event, held on the AITM campus, concluded on Sunday evening with a grand valedictory function celebrating the winners and appreciating all participants for their innovative tech solutions and collaborative spirit.
A total of 30 teams participated in the overnight coding challenge, working intensively on real-world problems to develop creative and impactful solutions.
The results were announced by AITM Principal Dr. K Fazlur Rahman at the valedictory ceremony. Team CrashMax, represented by Abul Khair from Yenepoya Institute of Technology, Mangalore, won the first prize of ₹60,000.
The second prize of ₹30,000 was awarded to Team Cyphernova, comprising Hemanth C S and Mohamed Kamran from the National Institute of Engineering, Mysore.
Team Hustlers.dev, featuring Ahamed Ali Z, Syed Iyanulla, and S Tejas from GM Institute of Technology, Davanagere, secured the third prize of ₹15,000.
Apart from the top three teams, the top ten performing teams also received special cash prizes in recognition of their efforts and exceptional coding solutions.
The judging panel for the hackathon included industry professionals and AITM alumni, including Mohsin Khan, Founder of Niveus Solutions; Mubeen Jukaku, Technology Head at Emertxe Information Technologies; and Waseem Ahmed, Founder of Wynteam Global and Director at RaqMEA. They were joined by Dr. J. Anvar Shathik, Head of the Department of Computer Science and Engineering, and Dr. Daniel Francis, Professor in the same department.
The valedictory ceremony began with a welcome address by Registrar Prof. Zahid Kharuri.
Participants expressed their satisfaction with the event, highlighting the learning experience, teamwork, and mentorship they received. AITM Secretary Mohiddin Ruknaddin congratulated the students and the organizing team, while Event Coordinator Farkhalit Rida delivered the vote of thanks, marking the successful conclusion of the event.
The CodeFest was supported by several sponsors and partners. Niveus Solutions was the Title Partner, DigiScrypt Technologies was the Organizing Partner, and Mohtisham Builders, SproutXP, iTecs Solutions, Emertxe Technologies, Tahoora, and Wynteam Global were Associate Partners.
source: http://www.english.varthabharati.in / Vartha Bharati / Home> Karavali / by Vartha Bharati / April 14th, 2025
In addition to food donations, the initiative also features a charity counter right next to the fridge.
A sign reads ‘Ayyamittu Unn’, a call to “share the food with the needy before you eat”.(Photo | P Ravikumar, EPS)
Chennai :
The lights flicker on as the fridge door opens. A cool burst of air escapes, revealing neatly arranged packets of home-cooked meals, biscuits, and bottled water—the humble bounty waiting for the city’s hungry. There’s no cashier. No question asked. Only a sign reading ‘Ayyamittu Unn’, a call to “share the food with the needy before you eat”.
Launched in 2017 by Dr M Issa Fathima Jasmine, a Chennai-based dentist, ‘Ayyamittu Unn’ has evolved into the city’s very own food-sharing revolution in the last eight years. What started as a single community fridge in Besant Nagar has now spread to 11 locations across Chennai, from Broadway and Mylapore to Kodambakkam, and the most recent addition in Saligramam’s Kaveri Rangan Nagar.
The concept is brilliantly simple: Place a refrigerator in a public, accessible location, allow anyone to donate surplus food and let those in need take what they require. Open daily from 7 am to 8 pm, these fridges accept sealed, fresh, and wholesome items. To ensure safety, strict guidelines are in place: Only packaged or freshly cooked food is allowed, while raw meat, seafood, eggs, alcohol, and half-eaten meals are strictly prohibited. The focus is on ensuring that generosity meets safety without compromise.
In addition to food donations, the initiative also features a charity counter right next to the fridge. Here, residents can donate books, toys, clothes and other essential items for those in need. A register is meticulously maintained for transparency, while a security guard oversees the process to ensure that both food and other donated goods remain in proper condition and are not misused.
In Kaveri Rangan Nagar, it’s a full-blown community affair. The fridge was set up with the active involvement of Dr Sulaikha, a gynaecologist and daughter of social activist MD Ghani. Ghani, who dedicated his life to improving local infrastructure, left behind a legacy of community service that Dr Sulaikha now honours.
In one modest home on KK Salai, a family has generously provided a portion of their premises to house the refrigerator and manage its daily upkeep. Local businesses, too, have thrown in their support; a nearby hotel contributes six breakfast packets every morning, while residents routinely drop off lunch boxes, biscuits, and even occasional sweet treats.
Community effort ensures that the fridge which is affectionately dubbed ‘Akshaya Patra’ never runs empty (Photo | P Ravikumar, EPS)
For many, the fridge is nothing short of a lifeline. “I get food here at least three days a week. My work hours are unpredictable, so I can’t always be here, but when I do manage to come, it saves me from having to buy meals. Earlier, I mostly relied on roadside vendors—this is safer and more reliable,” says R Rengaraj, a loadman working at the Saligramam market. For Rengaraj, and countless others like him, the fridge not only reduces daily food expenses but also provides the reassurance of a proper meal in a city where hunger often goes unnoticed.
Beyond its practical benefits, ‘Ayyamittu Unn‘ taps into something deeper – a sense of community. The initiative is backed by the Public Foundation (an NGO founded by Dr Jasmine), which handles the logistics and coordination. Dr Issa Fathima and Dr Sulaikha sum it up succinctly.
(Photo | P Ravikumar, EPS)
“‘Ayyamittu Unn’ is not just about food – it’s about trust and a collective commitment to social responsibility. Small acts of kindness can create a huge difference.” Community effort ensures that the fridge — affectionately dubbed Akshaya Patra after the legendary vessel that never runs empty — continues to serve as a reliable source of nourishment.
This is a vibrant example of how local solutions can effectively tackle issues like food waste and hunger simultaneously. In a country where a significant amount of edible food is discarded daily, redirecting surplus to those in need is also a step towards environmental sustainability.
As the initiative continues to gain momentum, there are plans to replicate the model in other parts of the city and even in neighbouring districts. This is not charity with strings. It is not aid from a distance; it is how one neighbour looks out for another.
(Edited by Adarsh TR)
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Good News / by S Kumaresan / edited by Adarsh TR / April 06th, 2025
“My father died of cancer when I was in the 9th grade. My family was in deep grief and faced a mountain of difficulties. My mother worked as a household help to ensure my younger brother continued his studies.
“My conditions inspired me as I took difficulties as an opportunity. I expressed myself through my paintings, which were appreciated.
Today, my paintings and portraits are appreciated in America, Europe, and Gulf countries,” Adnan Ansari, a student pursuing an M.Com degree from Aligarh Muslim University, told Awaz- Voice over the phone.
Adnan had been fond of drawing since his school days, and to support his family, he took up his hobby as a profession. After his father passed away, his mother had to take care of the family all by herself. During the COVID-induced lockdown, I worked on my drawing skills at home using a pencil and paper.
Adnan Ansari at work
After this, Adnan created his Instagram page and uploaded his paintings on it. He received appreciation for his art. “Appreciation for one’s work is fine, but I cannot fill stomachs or run the family,” he said.
Soon after, Adnan completed his schooling at Aligarh Public School, one of his juniors placed an order over the phone for his portrait.
“That was my first earning. I received Rs 200 as remuneration. I never looked back. I was encouraged to make better paintings as I realised that I would start earning. My hard work and dedication have paid off, and today I am at a stage where my paintings are in demand even abroad.”
Today his Instagram page is doing well. “My followers are increasing, and I upload all my works for sale on it.”
He receives all his orders through Instagram. “I currently have orders for paintings from America, UK, Canada, and Saudi Arabia,” said Adnan. So far, his most expensive painting has been for Rs 40,000.
Adnan Ansari with some of his works
Adnan said that he has been trying to understand life from his perspective and process his feelings on canvas. That process makes him serve people through his art. His paintings reflect the maturity of his imagination.
According to him, copying something and making it exactly like it is not the definition of art.
Adnan said that he could make a painting of any kind, even from the oldest torn photographs. “For example, if you give me a colour or black and white photograph, I will make it exactly like the original, which will make you feel that this one is better, no matter how old the photograph is, if there is even 10 to 15 percent imagination in it, then I can make it.”
Adnan told Awaz-The Voice that his mother, Rashida Begum, is not educated and has a small income through doing small household work, which is not enough for the family. His younger brother Bilal Ansari is in school.
Adnan Ansari’s art
Adnan Ansari told Awaz-The Voice that he was thankful to former Aligarh MP Jamal Khwaja for providing him with a place to live. “We do not have a house and a Jamal Khwaja for whom my mother works, has kindly given a portion of his bungalow for my family to live.”
Adnan told Awaz-The Voice that I am currently doing post-graduation from Aligarh Muslim University. Along with this, I am improving my art through social media. However, my work is more understood and liked abroad. But I hope that one day I will get a big honor at the national and international level, and I am working hard for that.
Adnan said, “I started with pencil and sheet, so till now whatever paintings I have made, I have used only charcoal pencil, charcoal powder, eraser, cutter scale, knife. Now that I have money, I am also using canvas, light, computer, camera.”
Adnan said that the youth should bring out the talent hidden within them and try to move forward using whatever facilities are available to them. It is not necessary to have big things to make it big, one should bring out the hidden talent and work hard honestly. One day, success is inevitable.
Adnan Ansari’s works
Adnan said, “I mostly like to make a painting which has a story behind it. I keep looking at the paintings of some international-level artists and photographers to get inspired to do my work.”
Adnan Ansari is also a state-level under-19 football champion; he also edits videos on a freelance basis. Adnan wants to build his studio where he can showcase his art and video editing skills and create digital artwork.
Adnan Ansari says that first he prepares a digital layout and sends it to his clients. He does all this through Touchbook software. After approval, he draws it on canvas with a pencil.
Adnan says the price he prices his paintings as per his assessment of the hard work that has gone into each one. “I earn enough to run my household. I am now buying modern tools for my work. I see myself as a big artist of India in the next 5 years.”
Adnan has received many awards for his art. His works were also on display at the National Art Exhibition, where he received a lot of appreciation. Adnan also actively participates in youth fests and other competitions.
source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Stories / by Onika Maheshwari, New Delhi / April 09th, 2025
Two AMU research scholars, Arshyaan Shahid and Shahzada Iqbal, brought laurels to India by presenting their innovative research at the 9th European Congress on Mammalogy held in Patras, Greece
Aligarh:
Two research scholars from the Department of Wildlife Sciences, Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), Arshyaan Shahid and Shahzada Iqbal, brought laurels to India by presenting their innovative research at the 9th European Congress on Mammalogy held in Patras, Greece. Guided by Prof. Orus Ilyas, the students were the sole representatives from India and the broader subcontinent at this premier international event, which convenes once every four years and draws the world’s leading mammalogists.
The European Congress on Mammalogy is a renowned platform for sharing advancements in mammalian science, conservation strategies, and ecological research.
Among hundreds of global participants, Shahzada Iqbal presented two posters on wolf conservation in Central India, addressing ecological challenges and species threats. Arshyaan Shahid presented a poster on the behavioural ecology of the Gaur (Indian bison) and also delivered an oral presentation on human-elephant interactions in Jharkhand’s Palamau Tiger Reserve.
Their research received commendation from international experts, who appreciated their scientific rigor and conservation-oriented approach.
“It was an incredible opportunity to share our work with leading mammalogists,” said Shahzada Iqbal. Arshyaan Shahid remarked, “The insights and feedback we gained were invaluable. Representing India on such a platform was truly an honour.”
Prof. Orus Ilyas lauded the students’ accomplishments, noting, “Their success at EUROTHERIUM reflects the research excellence at AMU and signals India’s growing presence in global wildlife science.”
source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Focus> Markers of Excellence> Research / by Radiance News Bureau / April 15th, 2025
Nargis Sultana being felicitated by her neighbours after her she scored a distinction in her matriculation examinations
The academic success of the daughter of a Maulana in Assam’s Darrang district has revealed the determination of Indian Muslim women to defeat adversities and break stereotypes for giving wings to their dreams.
Nargis Sultana, the daughter of a Maulana who passed the High School Leaving Certificate Examination or Matriculation examination in 2022 with distinction despite facing various challenges, studies for more than 12 hours to fulfill her dream of becoming a doctor.
Nargis is the second daughter of Samsher Ali and Nasira Khatoon, residents of Kachari Bheti in Dalgaon in the Darrang district.
Born in a very backward and remote area, Nargis had to walk 5-6 km daily from her home and cross a river to reach her school for her primary education.
Being the daughter of a Maulana, many residents in her village asked her to learn Islamic textbooks including the Holy Quran instead of going to school for modern education. But Nargis was determined to go to school and her parents backed her.
Maulana Shamsher Ali (Left), the father of Nargis (In white dress) and his family
Nargis Sultana told Awaz-the Voice, “I was a student of Anandaram Barua Academy in Siliguri when I appeared for the Matric examination or Class X final in 2022. Besides my hard work and dedication, I want to give credit to the teachers for my success. After knowing my poor financial background they (teachers) helped me to continue my education.”
Anandaram Barua Academy did not charge any fee and provided free tuition from Nargis for her education from the Class ninth and Tenth.
In the Matric exam 2022 Nargis scored 96 (out of 100 marks) in Social Science, 95 in Mathematics, 92 in Assamese, 90 in Elective Subjects, 90 in English, and 78 in General Science.
Nargis got is studying at Ajmal College in Hojai and pursuing a science stream for her higher secondary examination.
“Many people and teachers have helped me financially to continue my education. They have pinned high hopes on me. So, I cannot disappoint them. I am studying more than 10 hours daily so that I can excel in 12th stands due next year. I want to become a doctor. I will try to become a gynecologist and serve the poor people in rural areas by reducing maternal and infant mortality rates among them,” Nargis said.
Nasira Khatoon while expressing gratitude to the almighty Allah and those who have helped her daughter to continue her education, said she is hopeful that “Nargis will become a successful doctor in the future to serve humanity.”
Hafiza Begum (Left) being felicitated
Similarly, another Muslim girl student from Dalgaon in Darrang district Hafiza Begum has also proved that poverty cannot be an obstacle to academic excellence.
Hafiza, daughter of e-rickshaw driver Habib Ullah, has told Awaz- The Voice that she had passed the Matriculation examination from Adarsh Jatiya Vidyalaya, Dalgaon by securing distinction marks.
Hafiza is determined to become a doctor and later prepare for the Union Civil Service Examination.
source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Stories / by Munni Begum, Guwahati / May 05th, 2023
University Women’s Polytechnic Students Shine at National Project Competition, Win First Prize at MITAOE, Pune
Aligarh:
Students from the University Women’s Polytechnic, Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), made a mark at the 8th National Level Poster Presentation and Project Competition, TechnoPHILIA’25, held recently at MIT Academy of Engineering, Pune.
Competing against participants from over 25 institutions across India, the AMU team, “LISA VocalTech,” clinched the first prize in the Diploma Category, along with a cash award for their innovative project titled “LISA: A Voice-Controlled Lift.”
The team comprised final-year Diploma in Electronics and Communication Engineering students – Shalini Kumari, Kashish Khushi, Nargis Khatoon, and Shailly Bhardwaj – who developed the project under the mentorship of Mr. Mohd Kashif. Their creation, a voice-activated lift system, is designed to improve accessibility for the elderly, visually impaired, and physically disabled, earning praise from judges for its practical utility and inventive design.
This achievement highlights AMU’s commitment to academic excellence and its encouragement of student participation in national-level technical events.
source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Education> Focus / by Radiance News Bureau / April 09th, 2025
When he is not writing a novel, he writes stories for children. And, when he is not penning these stories, he may compose poetry for a change of taste or suddenly come up with a book on personalities of his city.
Wakeel Najeeb is not just among the most prominent authors, he is the most prolific writer in the region. For people interested in Urdu litrature across the country, when the conversation shifts to this region, it’s his name that instantly comes to minds.
And a visit to Nagpur is incomplete until one meets him. In the serpentine lanes near his house, ask anyone–an elderly man or a young boy, everyone knows him and can guide you about the address or directly take you to his house.
Th writer is at the centre of Urdu literary activities in Nagpur. On my visit to the town, I tried to locate his house and almost everyone I came across on way, was ready to take me to his place. Apart from novels, he has several collections of stories and short-stories, poems and two travelogues to his name. Also, there is a collection of plays and hold your breath–20 novels.
He is among the few authors who have focused on writing for the children. Many of his novels are for children apart from nazms and stories. Though he started his literary journey with ‘afsana’ [short story], he got more fame because of writing for children as he also gets published in the magazines across India.
“Somehow a label was put on me that I write stories for children and a I am writer exclusively for kids, though I have collections of short stories and have written fiction, not just for children”, he explains. Of course, Najeeb, has written extensively and also writes critical pieces, essays and articles.
His most recent work is a book, ‘Meri Basti, Mere Log’. The book contains his write-ups on interesting personalities he saw around him as he grew up and others in his city. The profiles include people from diverse fields–wrestlers to clerics and writers to sufis. Already hundreds of copies of the book have been sold.
“Frankly, I do my best to publicize my books. When I write, my aim is to make people aware about the book. You see this, he points towards the banner outside his house, which announces publication of his book. People come to know, arrive and buy”, he further says.
That’s a far cry from the writers who bemoan lack of readers or rue that there books are not being sold. Born on July 1, 1946, Wakeel Najeeb, studied at the local Urdu school. He went on to become a teacher and retired as principal of Islamia School. He is socially active, associated with institutions, literary groups and attends their meets. And, literally holds the literary fort in the region.
source: http://ww.newsbits.in / Newsbits.in / Home> Special / by Shams Ur Rehman Alavi, Bhopal / December 22nd, 2021
