The Islamic scholar and former Dean, Faculty of Theology, Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), Professor M Saud Alam Qasmi, has been conferred with the Lifetime Achievement Award by Jamitul Hidayah, Jaipur.
While conferring the award, the Rector of Jamia, Maulana Fazlur Raheem Mujaddidi, praised Professor Qasmi as a distinguished scholar and lauded his books as a “treasury of India.” He urged young scholars to draw inspiration from Professor Qasmi’s academic legacy.
Editor of Tahzeebul Akhlaq, Professor Qasmi has authored 40 books and 400 articles in English, Urdu, and Arabic.
A celebrated orator, he has held several prestigious roles at AMU and is associated with numerous academic institutions and editorial boards.
source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Pride of the Nation> Awards>Latest News / by Radiance News Bureau / January 28th, 2025
Human trafficking is the illegal process of moving or luring a person from one place to another using deception, threats, pressure, duress, or other abusive means for financial gain. Most of them trafficking children are pushed into the sex trade.
Fifteen years before, she was a victim of human trafficking. Today, leaving her past behind, Naseema Gain, 28, has rescued more than 4,000 women from the flesh trade and is helping them lead a normal life, reports Awaz The Voice.
“It was 2009. I remember there was a Puja function at my school on that day. I was happy. I have known him since childhood, as his uncle lived in our village. I and my friend happily sat in his car when he offered to drop us at our place. Little did I know this incident was going to change my life. When I regained consciousness, we found ourselves at an unfamiliar place. I had no idea where I was.” The 13-year-old Naseema Gain had no idea that she had landed in the net of human traffickers.
Born in Maslandpur, West Bengal, Naseema Gain had a happy childhood till an acquaintance kidnapped her on the pretext of offering her a ride to school.
Fortunately, she was released after 10 months. However, she faced a bigger tragedy on her return home when she found people looked at her and treated her differently. Due to prejudices, people didn’t treat her as a victim.
Naseema didn’t give up. Today she is helping hundreds of girls who are victims of human trafficking by rescuing and rehabilitating them.
Narrating the incident of her kidnapping, Naseema says, “He asked me and one of my friends if we would like to go home in his car. There was also another person in the car. Not knowing his intentions, we happily sat in the car. He took us to a deserted place and dropped us saying that he would return after some time.
“After a while, a person came in another car and said that he would drop us home. It was dark, so we accepted his offer least knowing that this lift would turn was going to change our lives.”
They sold Naseema and her friend in Bihar. On her life in a brothel, Naseema says, “They taught us to dance and sing. If anyone did not obey them, they were beaten, tortured, and made to starve. We had lost all hope of returning home.”
She says violence, torture, and starvation were routine punishments for the inmates of a brothel. One day Naseema and her friend were sold as maids. This gave them a chance to escape.
Naseema worked as a house help for a professor. “Slowly I started following their language. One day I told him about my story of being kidnapped and sold and asked him to help me return to my home. I somehow managed to gather the courage to tell this to him.”
She also told the professor that if he didn’t help them and sent them back to the agency, the girls would face torture and be resold.
The professor asked her to provide him contact number of her home. Naseema didn’t remember hers but her friend had memorised her telephone number. The kind-hearted professor called the number and both the girls were rescued with the help of the police.
However, before the police and the parents could reach Naseema and the other girl, the trafficker came to know about this. He called the Professor who shifted them to different secret locations for safety. After tracking them for several weeks, Naseema and her friend were finally freed after 10 months.
Naseema says, “It still feels surreal to be rescued and taken home. I had lost all hope, but our and the police’s efforts would be successful. I am very grateful to those professors.”
Her family was happy at her rescue and return home but the villagers were not ready to accept her.
“This is the sad truth of our society. I was a victim of circumstances, and yet had to face ostracism.” She adds, “Parents would tell their children not to speak with us,” she says.
She said, “We were not allowed to go to school because the school refused to admit us.”
“Ten months of torture and then this kind of treatment from society alienated me. I didn’t leave my house for the next five years,” she says, “Even after coming out of the quagmire of human trafficking, I was saddened by the ostracism by society.”
Naseema’s parents contacted an NGO which was into counselling of human trafficking survivors. Naseema says that counselling gave her a lot of strength. She was convinced that she could only counsel those who had survived this inhuman quagmire. She contacted girls and women who had been rescued from human traffickers and brothels and helped them.
Naseema says, “I have tried to build a life with whatever I have. Call it courage, hope, or luck. That is why I dare to help others. To help more girls like me, I started working with ‘Utthan Collective’, an organisation that provides training, counselling, and support to girls and victims.
She says victims like her are treated like criminals even after their rescue. She wants to create a new identity for all such victims.
In 2019, Naseema co-founded the Indian Leadership Forum Against Trafficking (ILFAT) with similar anti-trafficking groups across the country. The organisation’s work spans across nine states and has given a new direction to the lives of more than 4500 victims.
She adds, “A person who has gone through such a situation needs a lot of care, love, and respect. In the process of trafficking, they have lost all their self-esteem. Often, society rejects them; in many cases, even their families disown them. We provide them with the necessary help and shelter.”
The organisation trains victims in various skill-based jobs and helps them earn a livelihood. “We reach out to victims and provide them with mental health support and counselling. Through outreach programmes, their trauma and grief connect. So, they don’t feel any loss there. This helps them move forward,” Naseema says.
About her work, Naseema says, “Many times different NGOs approach me and learn how ILFAT and Utthan work. This is a huge inspiration and victory for me.” She adds, “With the organisation, I want to create a safe environment for the victims, ensure that the culprits get proper punishment and all the surviving girls are rehabilitated.”
Naseema, along with her colleagues, helps improve the mental health of the girls who have been rescued from the quagmire of human trafficking, provides compensation, makes the girls aware of their skills, and nurtures them by giving them necessary training.
source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Education> Latest News / by Mohammed Atherulla Shariff, Radiance News Bureau / January 28th, 2025
Students from the Department of Foreign Languages at Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) secured top prizes in a national competition organised by the Department of German, University of Mumbai, under the theme “100 Years of Kafka.”
Ramsha Afzal, a Master’s student in German Studies, won first place in the Comic Strip category for her creative take on Kafka’s novella Die Verwandlung (The Metamorphosis), highlighting themes of alienation and transformation. Azhar Zia, a final-year undergraduate, clinched first prize in the Short Films category for his cinematic interpretation of Kafka’s narrative Gibs auf! (Give it Up!), reflecting a nuanced grasp of existential themes.
Professor Muhammad Azhar, Chairman of the Department, commended the students, stating, “These achievements showcase the academic excellence and creativity nurtured at AMU, reaffirming the importance of foreign language studies.”
Assistant Professor Syed Salman Abbas applauded the winners, emphasising their engagement with German literature and culture.
source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Education> Latest News / by Radiance News Bureau / January 23rd, 2025
She made her entry into the entertainment industry at a time when Muslim women were still forbidden from doing so.
Roshanara Begum who studied in St. Francis Convent, Coimbatore was gifted even when she was young.
Just a mention of the song Kunguma Pottin Mangalam will take patrons of the classic age of Tamil cinema into a nostalgic drive. The song, which came out way back in 1968, was picturised on two of the biggest stars of the Tamil industry, both of whom would later go on to become Chief Ministers of the state. If that is not a dead giveaway altogether, we are talking about MG Ramachandran and Jayalalitha on whom the song was picturised. It was from the movie Kudiyiruntha Kovil, which was a remake of the Hindi film China Town. However, do you know that one of the contributors to the song Kunguma Pottin Mangalam was the first Muslim female lyricist in Tamil cinema?
Yes, the lyrics of the evergreen song were written by Roshanara Begum, which sadly, remains the only cinematic achievement she ever made. She made her entry into the entertainment industry at a time when Muslim women were still forbidden from doing so. Things were different back then, and for a Muslim woman, from a conservative background, writing lyrics for a film song was historic.
Roshanara Begum who studied in St. Francis Convent, Coimbatore was gifted even when she was young. Having formally learnt music, she used to win awards at school. Even though her family followed strict Islamic traditions, her father Sheikh Mustafa recognised her daughter’s potential and realised she was meant for bigger things.
He decided to support his daughter. Fortunately, Sheikh Mustafa was friends with composer MS Viswanathan, who used to frequent their house in Coimbatore. MS Viswanathan requested the producer of Kudiyirundha Koyil to give the young woman a chance and the result was the beautiful lyrics of the song Kunguma Pottin Mangalam.
However, unfortunately, this was both Roshanara Begum’s first and last project. Roshanara Begum’s name got lost somewhere in the sands of time but the song will always remind us of her achievement.
source: http://www.news18.com / News18 / Home> Entertainment Bureau / by Local News Desk / June 13th, 2022
In Taluka Ardhapur, the 6th-grade Urdu textbook at Bal Bharti now includes the story of Ejaz Nadaf, a remarkable young individual who was honored with the prestigious “National Bravery Award”. Ejaz Nadaf’s courageous act at the age of 16 is now praised in this textbook.
The inclusion of Ejaz’s story raised questions about who presented the award, when it was received, the district he belongs to, and the village he hails from.
On April 30, 2017, Ejaz saved two girls from drowning in a river, which led to him being awarded the “National Child Bravery” award on January 26, 2018, by Prime Minister and President Ramnath Kovind.
Ejaz Nadaf was the only student in all of Maharashtra to receive this prestigious award in 2018.
Having completed his education from 1st to 12th grade in his village, Ejaz displayed immense bravery during his 10th grade at Rajabai High School.
For the betterment of his studies and future, Ejaz was adopted by the Shaheen Institute in Bidar, Karnataka.
Although Ejaz scored 70%, his family’s poor financial circumstances pushed him to work as a laborer in his village after 10th grade. Despite facing challenges, he managed to pass 12th grade. However, he had little hope for continuing his education. This changed when the Shaheen Institute in Bidar, Karnataka, adopted him to support his future studies and success. Currently, he is pursuing a BA degree while preparing for the UPSC exams at the Shaheen Institution.
Ejaz’s father, Abdul Rauf Nadaf, expressed his happiness and pride in knowing that a lesson in bravery is being taught to his child. He believes that this story serves as an excellent example for other students and will undoubtedly encourage them.
source: http://www.thehindustangazette.com / The Hindustan Gazette / Home> News> Motivational Story / by Shifa / July 17th, 2023
Syeda Farhath Fatima, Founder and CEO of Pluslove.in, is a role model for many young people. She is currently a first-year BCA student at Saketa Degree College and a member of incubator cohort A-23.
Plus Love is a plus-size-focused clothing brand based in India. “WE CREATE, CRAFT, AND CUSTOMIZE CLOTHES.” At Pluslove.in, they are dedicated to providing an exceptional and empowering fashion experience for individuals of all sizes. One standout feature is their custom design service, allowing you to become the designer of your own fashion journey.
The Interesting Journey of Entrepreneur Syeda Farhath Fatima
In today’s world, it’s challenging to find plus-size clothing. Syeda noticed her loved ones who were a little overweight struggling to find the perfect fit, and she thought, “Why am I not doing anything for them?” or as the saying goes, “Jaha chah hai waha rah hai” (Where there is a will, there is a way).
“Business Development Service EdVenturepark opened an application for cohort A23, and I applied for it. Alhamdulillah (praise be to the almighty), I got selected. I knew about EdVenturepark since my time at Code for India Foundation, where I was learning data analysis with machine learning. So, yes, I’m a data analyst too. My journey started during the 3-month cohort at Code for India when I completed my course in data analysis. Then I applied for the EVP pre-incubation program. A person like me, without business knowledge, still had that spark to do something for people and solve their problems, which led to the creation of the clothing brand Pluslove.”
“It is true that everyone has problems, and it is also true that every problem has a solution. If this is the reality of life, then why not focus on solutions rather than problems.”
Pluslove.in is a size-inclusive clothing brand where you can find your perfect fit. They provide stylish, designer ready-to-wear clothes. They create, craft, and customize just for you. Their goal is to see smiles on their customers’ faces and boost their confidence. They believe that what we wear can make us feel better, more comfortable, and more confident.
One of their standout features is the customization service, allowing you to become the designer of your own fashion journey.
Challenges Faced on the Journey
Syeda faced numerous challenges while building her brand, such as being unfamiliar with the textile industry and struggling to find fabric and tailors. She was the sole person responsible for end-to-end tasks in the company and had to oversee every aspect.
Throughout this journey from a raw idea to Pluslove.in, her mother (Ammi) provided immense support and encouragement. She is deeply grateful to her mother and her family members, especially her aunt, siblings, and her mama.
Syeda also mentioned Meraj Faheem sir, who gave her the opportunity at “EdVenturepark” where she fulfilled her dream. Her dream and passion to solve people’s problems in finding their perfect fit were supported by Ilyas sir, who was always there for her when she needed help, and her friend Huda Hajera, her entire EVP team, and her fellow A23 cohort mates.
She expressed her feelings of joy, saying, “I’m very grateful to have such people in my life. Thank you, everyone, for being a part of my life.”
Soon, they will be launching their catalog and opening up opportunities for designers, tailors, and B2B collaborations.
Their mission is to empower women by providing employment opportunities without the need for education certificates or degrees, focusing solely on skills that enhance creativity and innovative ideas. Training facilities are also available for students and others.
For more details or inquiries, please contact +91 9390782010, Email ID: farhath@pluslove.in
source: http://www.thehindustangazette.com / The Hindustan Gazette / Home> News> Motivational Story / by Shifa / October 26th, 2023
Founded in 1988 by Mohammed Ismail, Seahath Canning Company has evolved from a small family-run business into a major player in the global canned seafood industry. Managed by four generations of the Ismail family, the company’s remarkable journey from manual to mechanized processing reflects both its growth and resilience.
The company, which started with a focus on the North East Indian market, has expanded its reach, now supplying canned seafood to Angola, Libya, Turkmenistan, Dubai, Lebanon, Iraq, Yemen, Saudi, Djibouti, Somalia, Togo, Congo, Uganda, Bangladesh, Nepal, Ghana, the Indian Navy, Assam Rivalry and the Indian Army.
Seahath Canning, based in Goa’s Margao Industrial Estate, began its operations in an environment where it faced stiff competition from other companies serving similar markets in India, Thailand, and Myanmar.
The turning point came in 2006, when Seahath received its first major export order from Dubai, African countries, requesting 100 containers of canned sardines. To handle such volumes, Ismail’s sons—Asif, Anis, and Akif—began exploring automation, visiting factories in Indonesia, and integrating high-speed production machinery into their operations. The company’s production line shifted from manual to automated systems, ensuring efficiency and quality.
This investment in technology proved invaluable as Seahath continued to grow, securing more UN contracts and diversifying its client base.
In 2009, Seahath also began supplying the Indian Army with canned seafood, including tuna and mackerel, solidifying its position as a trusted supplier of high-quality seafood. Locally, the company launched its “Oceans Secret” brand in 2008, which catered to the general public, marking a significant step in moving beyond the North East Indian market.
Today, Seahath Canning has expanded to export canned seafood across the Globe – Has a Manufacturing Hub in Goa (India) a distribution Hub in the Middle East, and Africa, and Exporting to 17 countries.
Distribution Hubs – Lome (Togo), Dubai, Saudi, Ghana
Exports – Angola, Libya, Turkmenistan, Dubai, Lebanon, Iraq, Yemen, Saudi, Djibouti, Somalia, Togo, Congo, Uganda, Bangladesh, Nepal, Ghana across Africa, the Middle East, and beyond, including Angola, Ghana, and Zimbabwe.
The company’s commitment to quality is evident in its stringent processes, which involve constant laboratory testing and quality control checks from procurement to packaging.
Seahath’s facilities also boast state-of-the-art machinery sourced from Thailand, China, and Europe, enabling them to manufacture 50,000 cans per day.
Ismail credits the company’s success to a balanced approach of reinvesting profits into the business, maintaining quality, and supporting social causes.
In line with these values, Seahath has provided jobs for over 500 laborers and operates without relying on bank loans. Ismail’s philosophy of social welfare, alongside business growth, has helped foster a thriving enterprise.
Seahath’s future looks bright as the canned food industry in India, particularly in urban markets, continues to grow. With a focus on convenience and quality, the company is now experimenting with ready-to-eat food options, including seafood and chicken, to meet evolving consumer demands.
As Seahath Canning continues to expand, it remains committed to responsible fishing practices, sustainable seafood sourcing, and food safety certifications like ISO 22000:2008 and HACCP.
source: http://www.thehindustangazette.com / The Hindustan Gazette / Home> News> Motivational Story / by The Hindustan Gazette / January 09th, 2025
RIFAH hosted a landmark national-level workshop themed “From the Village to the World” in Goa, aimed at empowering aspiring exporters to take their promising products to the global stage. The two-day programme brought together participants from 9-12 states across India, fostering an environment of learning, networking, and inspiration.
The event commenced with an inaugural address by Dr. Aslam Mohd, President of RIFAH Maharashtra, followed by an impactful keynote speech delivered by Mr. Syed Mumtaz Mansoori, President of RIFAH Karnataka.
Mr. Mansoori’s address emphasised the essence of global trade, identifying export opportunities, and understanding market demands, weaving in examples from prophetic traditions to illustrate the Islamic perspective of global business.
Workshops during the programme included sessions on “Fundamentals and Regulations of Export and Import” by Br. Siraj and an Interactive Workshop on Strategic Planning for Import and Export by Br. Anis Mohammed, Director of Seahath Canning Company.
These sessions offered practical insights into business strategy development, goal setting, market penetration, and leveraging B2B platforms, trade fairs, and digital marketing for international trade.
The workshop also featured a factory visit to Seahath Canning Company, India’s leading seafood exporter, which operates globally in over 15 countries. This visit provided participants with a firsthand understanding of the export process at scale. Additionally, participants had the opportunity to explore Goa’s breathtaking natural beauty, including its serene seashores, blending business learning with memorable experiences.
The workshop’s vibrant participation and engaging sessions left attendees energised and enthusiastic about stepping into the global trade arena, fulfilling the event’s vision of connecting local products to international markets.
The programme was conducted under the leadership of Mr. Mirza Afzal Baig (General Secretary of RIFAH), ensuring its success and alignment with the organisation’s vision.
source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Entrepreneurship> Latest News / by Radiance News Bureau / January 27th, 2025
One print depicts Tipu’s two sons being taken hostage by Lord Charles Cornwallis, after the third Anglo-Mysore war in February 1792, and the other is a portrayal of their return to their mother.
The prints were made in 1796 by publisher Haines. / Credit: DH Photo/ B K Janardhan
A city-based art collector, Sunil Baboo, has recently acquired two rare prints of paintings from Tipu Sultan’s era. They capture significant moments in the history of the erstwhile Kingdom of Mysore.
One print depicts Tipu’s two sons being taken hostage by Lord Charles Cornwallis, after the third Anglo-Mysore war in February 1792, and the other is a portrayal of their return to their mother.
History has it that Cornwallis laid out severe conditions Tipu had to adhere to in the Treaty of Seringapatam. He demanded that Tipu hand over his sons to British custody, until the king carried out all the demands he had agreed upon.
“While there are multiple artworks depicting the moment of surrender, it is rare to come across one capturing the sons being returned to Tipu’s wife,” says 65-year-old Baboo, who has been collecting historic books, maps, aquatints and documents since 1982.
The creator of the paintings is unknown, but they were turned into prints in 1796 by publisher Haines. This was even before the defeat and death of Tipu during the fourth Anglo-Mysore war in 1799. “Many of these artists never set foot in India. They created these images based on what was described to them. While there was an artistic bent to them, it was more a way for them to document important events,” Baboo explains. Many of these prints were originally etchings and engravings that were coloured by hand, adds the Gangenahalli resident.
He learnt of the prints a few months ago, and was able to edge out some of the biggest auction houses like Bonhams, UK. “They were planning to auction them in June 2024, but I was able to procure them through my contacts,” he explains. Over the years, Baboo has built a wide network of collectors and auction houses that tip him off on new discoveries. Most of this category of prints are found in family collections of descendants of French and British soldiers of the colonial period.
The prints, once discovered, are restored and framed. Baboo’s 16×14-inch prints came with a lot of archival tape and paper at the back of the frame. “Presumably to reinforce them. They can be kept in this condition for a long time,” he says.
source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> India> Karnataka> Bengaluru / by Rashmi Rajagopal / January 24th, 2025
Mysuru City Corporation (MCC) Commissioner Ashaad-Ur-Rahman Shariff (now transferred) receiving the ‘Best Returning Officer’ award from Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot during the National Voters Day celebrations held at Raj Bhavan in Bengaluru on Saturday (Jan. 25).
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Photo News / January 27th, 2025
