Tag Archives: Muslims of India

The Knight of Kishtwar: When Arif entered the jaws of death to save lives

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Kishtwar (Jammu), JAMMU & KASHMIR :

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

Vir Chakra for Op Sindoor hero Sqn. Ld. Rizwan Malik makes Manipuris proud

Amazing Feats, Bravery Awards, Citations, Commendations etc (since April 14th, 2024), , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Kheiku Village, MANIPUR :

Squadron Leader Rizwan Malik

New Delhi :

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:

A former Maharaj of a Principality in Manipur also congratulated the son of the soil

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.

source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Stories / by Aasha Khosa, ATV / August 18th, 2025

Martyr Mohd Imteyaj gets Vir Chakra for Op Sindoor

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Narayanpur Village (Chhapra), BIHAR :

New Delhi :

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.

BSF posted the list of awardees on X:

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

Whiff of breeze from Deoband

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Deoband, UTTAR PRADESH :

  Asad Madani (left) and Salim Qasmi

The quarter-century-old feud in Deoband seems to be coming to an end.

Stalwarts of Deoband, Maulanas As’ad Madani and Salim Qasimi have realised the futility of the dispute which led to a split in the world-famous Darul Uloom making way to two institutions, the old and a new one identified as “Waqf”. Personality clash between the two revered clans which dominated Darul Uloom, the then rector Qari Tayyib and scion of Maulana Husain Ahmad Madani, led to violent clashes in 1982 when firearms and knives were used to settle scores and the Madani group took over the institution allegedly with Indira Gandhi’s tacit support to Maulana Madani who was a Congress MP (Rajya Sabha) at the time.

The other group licked its wounds, moved on and built a new institution with same name and philosophy while the personality clash continued with disastrous results for the Muslim community in India and abroad which highly revered Deoband and many followed it too in matters of faith.

The split seemed final until recently when Maulana As’ad Madani was suddenly hospitalised during Haj, and on 28 January Urdu newspapers carried a report based on Jamiatul Ulama-e Hind sources that Maulana Madani is hospitalised in a critical condition in the King Fahd Hospital in Madinah.

Maulana Salim Qasimi took the initiative and phoned his archrival to enquire about Maulana Madani’s health and arranged for a meeting to pray for his health. This touched Maulana Madani deeply and on his return to India a few days later he wrote on 31 January to Maulana Qasimi thanking him and adding, “It is a fact that Hazrat Nanotwi, may his secret be sanctified, is the basis of this group. We do not equal even the dust beneath his feet. Whatever differences arose in the past were ill-fated. Let all that was said, done and occured be forgiven and not left for the Hereafter.” 

Maulana Qasimi reciprocated the feeling and said in his reply on 9 February that these sentiments are a reflection of his own old wishes. He added that “Prestige of the [Deoband] group lies in an end to hurting the way of the great past leaders and ending the disputes altogether. In my view, at the last leg of my life, it is my shared wish and effort that you and me should not leave behind for the new generation this unblessed heritage. Rather we should prepare to meet Allah the Almighty according to the tradition of the ancestors based on unity, accord, theoretical and practical unity and shared sincere wishes to serve knowledge and faith.”

Thus a new phase was inaugurated in the recent sad history of Deoband. The two groups, whose influence runs to many countries around the globe, were not even on talking terms only a few weeks ago. A number of meetings over tea and dinner have been held since between the two groups. According to a report, Maulana Anzar Shah Kashmiri, an important member of the Qasimi group, has gone to the extent of saying to Maulana Madani that “everything is now placed in your hands.” 

According to sources, both sides have agreed in principle to withdraw dozens of court cases which both sides had slapped against each other. A number of meetings have been held on various levels. Some resistance remains within both groups. The best outcome would be to merge the two darul ulooms into one (they stand facing each other) and both administrations absorbed into one. Even if vested interests prevent this desired outcome, the old enmity will give way to cooperation and mutual respect which in turn will be good omen for the entire Indian Muslim community. «

source: http://www.milligazette.com / The Milli Gazette Online / Home / by Zafarul-Islam Khan / 16-31 March 2025 / print edition

Obituary: Maulana Muhammad Salim Qasmi, an ocean of knowledge

Amazing Feats, Books - Holy Quran, Koran / Translations, Commentaries / by Indian Muslims (wef. February 11th, 2025), Books (incl.Biographies - w.e.f.01 jan 2018 ), Community Involvement / Social Issues, Education, Leaders, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Deoband, UTTAR PRADESH :

With scarcity of good ulama, the passing away of Maulana Muhammad Salim Qasmi, rector of Al-Jamia Al-Islamia Darul Uloom Waqf, Deoband, has sent a sense of gloom across India.

People have written obituaries describing his death as the loss of the last chain in the golden series of Khanwada-e-Qasmiyat, a metaphor used to describe the great legacy whose history got prominence with establishment of Darul Uloom in Deoband in 1867 against the backdrop of persistent British onslaught on Indians on the one hand and its ugly design to kill ulama in large numbers on the other hand, to mitigate the impact of resistance against the Colonial power.

Maulana Salim Qasmi was a witness to the British cruelty on Indians and the Indian ulama during the eventful years if Independence. He had lived those times as a young student of India’s most prominent madrasa that had been a great centre of anti-British movements like the Silk Letter Movement.

Being the great-grandson of Maulana Muhammad Qasim Nanautwi, Salim Qasmi knew well the role he had to play to live up to the reputation and expectations both of his family and its followers and admirers spread over countries and continents. He rightly did so. His demise thus has rightly been described as the end of that golden chain. However, as there are others from the same family trying to carry forward both the academic and social and historical legacy, will they be able to do justice with that, only time will tell.

Muhammad Salim was born on 8 January, 1926 at Deoband and received primary education from many teachers. He completed his studies in 1948 from Darul Uloom Deoband where his teachers included great luminaries like Maulana Hussain Ahmad Madani, Maulana Aizaz Ali, Allama Ibrahim Balyawi, Maulana Syed Fakhrul Hasan Moradabadi.

He is said to be the last surviving disciple of Maulana Ashraf Ali Thanwi from whom he studied Mizan, an important book of Arabic grammar. Soon after passing out, he was appointed a teacher there. However, later, due to a serious conflict and crisis then in Darul Uloom, he along with some other colleagues, decided to stay away from it and established Darul Uloom Waqf which he nurtured till his last breath. Besides looking after its administrative affairs as a rector, he also taught Bukhari Sharif, the well-known book of hadith. Earlier, he had taught Muslim Sharif, another important book of hadith.

Some of the key positions he held at the time of his death are as follows:

Chief Rector, Al-Jamia Al-Islamia Darul Uloom Waqf, Deoband,

Vice-President, All India Muslim Personal Law Board,

Member, Aligarh Muslim University Court,

Member of Advisory Board and Managing Committee, Darul Uloom Nadwatul Ulama,

Member of Advisory Board, Mazahir Uloom Waqf, Saharanpur,

Permanent Member of the Fiqh Council, Al-Azhar,Cairo,

President, All India Muslim Majlis-e-Mushawarat (before two fractions of it finally united),

Patron, Kul Hind Rabta-e-Masajid,

Patron, Islamic Fiqh Academy, India.

About his written contribution to the domain of knowledge, the website of Darul Uloom Waqf Deoband mentions that besides being:

… one of the top speakers of ulama, his articles and writings are also much admired. Some of the books are worthy to be mentioned here like (1) Mabaadi al-Tarbiyat al-Islami (Arabic), (2) Jaiza Tarjama Quran Karim, (3) Taajdar-e-Arz-e-Haram ka Paigham, (4) Mardaan-e-Ghaazi, (5) Ek Azeem Tarikhi Khidmat, (6) Safar Nama-e-Burma.

(7) The book Khutbat-e-Khatibul Islam (a collection of his speeches) has been published in 5 volumes. Moreover, there are many articles and scripts awaiting publication.

Formally, Maulana received bai’at (a reformative and self-actualization method historically in vogue for quite long as an Islamic tradition in certain schools of thought) at the hand of Maulana Shah Abdul Qadir Raipuri. However, he received much of the training from his glorious father, Qari Muhammad Tayyib (d. 17 July, 1983)

A remarkable trait of his personality was to maintain the dignity of a true aalim (religious scholar) by not partaking in sectarian lines as is the wont of some Ulama. He was therefore respected among all sections of Muslims and his views were very well received. Maulana Salim did not create the binary division of education between religious and modern. He believed that ‘the source of all streams of knowledge is one’.

In recognition of his services to the domain of knowledge and ideas Maulana Salim was honoured with many awards, some of which are as follows:

Nishan-e-Imtiyaz (Mark of Distinction) from the Government of Egypt for being a distinguished aalim of the Indian Sub-Continent,

Imam Muhammad Qasim Nanotwi Award,

Shah Waliullah Award.

Prominent leaders and ulama from different countries have expressed grief over the demise of Maulana Salim Qasmi. In her telephonic message, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said that Maulana Salim’s love for education was amazing. Outside the country he worked as an exemplary ambassador of education. Congress President Rahul Gandhi said Maulana Salim Qasmi illuminated the world through education and he would touch people through simplicity. Samajwadi Party chief, Mulayam Singh Yadav said that Maulana never asked anything for himself. He was a crown prince of education whose absence would be felt long.

Former Justice of Pakistan’s Shariah Court, Mufti Taqi Usmani described Maulana Salim Qasmi as an ocean of knowledge. His death is a huge loss to the Islamic world. The simplicity with which he lived is rare, he said adding, “His service in the field of education is a golden chapter”.

Member of Parliament and AIUDF President Maulana Badruddin Ajmal Qasmi termed the demise of Maulana Salim Qasmi as ‘end of an era’ whose enumerable services are worth to be written in golden words. Senior leaders Ahmad Patel, Ghulam Nabi Azad, Syed Shahnawaz Hussain and others also sent their condolence messages.

Maulana Syed Rabey Hasani Nadwi, President of All India Muslim Personal Law Board, who had closely worked with Maulana Salim Qasmi and had also been his classmate at Darul Uloom Deoaband, wrote an article in which he stated that Maulana Salim Sahab had acquired many of the qualities of his father Qari Tayyib Sahab and his great grandfather Maulana Qasim Nanautwi. He worked in a similar way from whom different sections of ummah benefitted. His death therefore has caused concerns about the void in the ummah and in religious circles.

Maulana Arshad Madani described Maulana Salim Qasmi’s death as a loss which does not seem to be filled in near future. “Whenever there is a crisis he would be remembered’ he said. The responsibility to protect the institution that he established falls on all of us.

Prof Humayun Murad said that Maulana knew well how to avoid confrontation and find peaceful and constructive ways. Darul Uloom Waqf Deoband is its living example.

Maulana Muhammad Sayeedi, nazim, Mazahir Uloom Waqf said, “In the passing away of Maulana Salim Qasmi, Mazahir Uloom has been deprived of one of its true guide and patron”. He was its member since 1988. Mufti Muzaffar Husain would trust him a lot and his suggestions were highly helpful.

As against the commonly held opinion of ulama who do not tire of speaking about the division of knowledge between religious and modern or worldly, Maulana Salim Qasmi, in June 2013, had in a public programme, very categorically said that all the available forms of knowledge are from Allah. There is nothing as religious and worldly knowledge.

Maulana Qasmi said that the division of knowledge (between religious and worldly) is a political creation because all streams of knowledge flow from God. He then asked heads of madrasas to invite people of other faiths to their madrasas and exchange views and, share their problems with them also.

As I write this obituary, his soft-spoken words remind me of the sincerity with which he would draw the attention of the people to real issues and to the approaches that need to be adopted to find their solution.

Maulana Salim Qasmi was among the important personalities who had set up the Darul Uloom Waqf. His colleagues Maulana Muhammad Nayeem Deobandi died a little over a decade ago on 23 August, 2007, Shaikhul Hadith Maulana Syed Anzar Shah Kashmiri died 10 years ago on 26 April, 2008, Mufti Khursheed Alam died on 7 February, 2012, while Maulana Salim’s younger brother Maulana Muhammad Aslam Qasmi, an outstanding orator, died about five months ago on 13 November, 2017. Finally, this great son of the great Khanwada-e-Qasmiyat passed away on 14 April, 2018. He is survived by four sons and two daughters.

May the Almighty grant him an exalted place in Jannah!

The author is a PhD Fellow at the Academy of International Studies, Jamia Millia Islamia and is also doing an online program “Contending Modernities” of the University of Notre Dame, USA.

source: http://www.twocircles.net / TwoCircles.net / Home> Articles> Indian Muslim> Lead Story / by Manzar Imam for TwoCircles.net / April 28th, 2018

Ahmed Bhai, a friend and one of the few political leaders who inspired respect

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GUJARAT / NEW DELHI :

Obituary

A man of few words, he would listen more and speak less. He was not known for dropping names, loose talk or gossip. No wonder he had friends across the political spectrum, recalls Shahid Siddiqui.

I met Ahmed Patel in 1980 for the first time as a journalist.

He mostly preferred to remain away from lime light but I persuaded him to give an interview to my weekly Nai Duniya. Even then I was impressed by his very precise responses to the most provocative questions. I came to know him in last thirty-five years both as a politician and friend. What held him above other politicians in Delhi was his honesty and dedication not only to the Congress Party but to basic moral values of public life. While many leaders protected their personal interests at the cost of the party, Ahmed Bhai did everything rising above his own political and personal interests.

Ahmed Patel was one of the finest Congressman in modern times, especially after the demise of the generation of leaders groomed by Indira Gandhi. Congress was in shambles in the post-Narsimha Rao period and with the emergence of NDA, future seemed to be bleak for Congress. It was pragmatic, realistic, dedicated hard work of Ahmed Patel and few others, which allowed UPA, led by Indian National Congress to form a government in Delhi in 2004. His networking abilities, his humble demeanor, his ability to listen to everyone and then give a sane and practical advice to the Congress President Sonia Gandhi and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was what kept UPA together and allowed it to come back to power with larger numbers in 2009.

There came many occasions when this twenty-four or more parties’ ragtag alliance would have collapsed, but for the persuasive abilities of Ahmed Bhai. Political analysts call him troubleshooter for Sonia Gandhi, in my view he was Sankat Mochak and firefighter for the Congress Party.

On 7th December 1992, a day after the demolition of Babri Masjid, I sent my resignation from the Congress Party. I was an AICC member and part of a Committee with Shri Pranab Mukherjee, Manmohan Singh ji, K. R. Narayanan Saheb, called, ‘Pamphlet Committee’. Ahmed Bhai immediately rushed to my house and said if you resign I will also resign, and if we Muslims resign from Congress in large numbers, would we be helping the cause of Secularism or damaging it? Ultimately a call from Harkishan Singh Surjeet, who in a way was my political Guru, persuaded me to withdraw my resignation. Much later I learned that Ahmed Bhai had requested Comrade Surjeet to call me and desist from resigning from the Congress Party.

Ahmed Bhai was famous for his nighttime politics when he would call friends and opponents for advice and information. He was fond of good food and would suddenly ring me up at night saying, ‘Yaar can I come to have a few kebabs at your house’. He used to come alone without fanfare at midnight and chat. He was a political animal, who breathed Congress politics twenty-four-seven, but never tried to harm even his worst opponents.

Ahmed Bhai was ears and eyes to Sonia Ji in the most crucial days of her Presidentship. Her ability to take everyone along and keep the party together made Congress a force again, but no less was the contribution of Ahmed Bhai, who didn’t hesitate in sacrificing even his close friends if the party’s interest demanded it and advised Sonia Ji accordingly. He was one Congressman who had hundreds of critics and opponents but no enemies. Even most bitter enemies of the Congress Party could speak to Ahmed Bhai in confidence, knowing that their faith will never be betrayed.

Congress has no replacement for Ahmed Patel, at a juncture when he is required most. His contribution to Indian democracy and Secularism is immense. At a time when politicians of all hues and parties are losing respect in the eyes of the common man, Ahmed Patel will be missed much more for his cool, unemotional, positive attitude.

source: http://www.nationalheraldindia.com / National Herald / Home> States360 > Obituary / by Shahid Siddiqui / November 25th, 2020

Kadaba: Student Fathima Sajla Ismail creates record by handwriting Quran in five years

Amazing Feats, Books - Holy Quran, Koran / Translations, Commentaries / by Indian Muslims (wef. February 11th, 2025), Education, Women/Girls(since May26-2021), , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Baitadka ,Kaniyur Village (Kadaba Taluk, Dakshina Kannada District) , KARNATAKA :

Kadaba :

A remarkable achievement by a student from Kumbra’s Markazul Huda Women’s College has drawn attention, as she meticulously handwritten the entire Quran using an ink pen.

The achiever, Fathima Sajla Ismail, a BCom student, hails from Baitadka in Kaniyur village of Kadaba taluk and is the daughter of Ismail and Zahra Jasmine. She dedicated nearly five years to this extraordinary work, beginning in January 2021 and completing it in August 2025.

For the handwritten manuscript, Sajla used white, light blue, and light green papers, along with a black ink pen. The Quran consists of 604 pages, bound with a red and gold-coloured protective cover, and weighs about 14 kg.

“Writing a single page would take me around four hours. On some days, I managed to write two pages in eight hours. In total, I completed the work in 302 days, spending 2,416 hours,” shared Sajla.

The unveiling of the handwritten copy and recognition of her achievement took place at Markazul Huda Women’s College in Kumbra.

The manuscript was officially released by Yaseen Sakhafi Al Azhari, a Mudarris from Markaz Knowledge City, Kerala.

source: http://www.daijiworld.com / Daijiworld.com / Home> Top Stories / by DaijiWorld Media Network – Kadaba (headline and name edited) / August 18th, 2025

All India Muslim Development Council (AIMDC) Unveils List of 40 Future Leaders 

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INDIA :

The All India Muslim Development Council (AIMDC) has officially unveiled the final list of “40 Under 40 Leaders” — a landmark initiative aimed at identifying, nurturing, and empowering the next generation of Muslim leaders in India. The announcement follows one of the most exhaustive and merit-based selection processes in the nation’s recent history, spanning a year-long journey and involving multiple stages of evaluation.

From 950 Applications to 40 Leaders 

The initiative drew an overwhelming response, with approximately 95 applications from across the country. Candidates came from diverse fields — education, politics, corporate leadership, engineering, medicine, activism, journalism, law, research, academia, entrepreneurship, economics, Shariah scholarship, counselling, motivational speaking, Ulemas, students and governance.

The journey began with a meticulous application process, requiring detailed documentation of qualifications, achievements, contributions to society, and personal background. Based on rigorous assessment criteria, 215 applicants were shortlisted for personal interviews.

An expert panel then conducted comprehensive interviews, narrowing the field to 112. Following further scrutiny, 105 exceptional candidates earned a place in the in-person finale for 4 days.

Four Days of Intense Evaluation in Bengaluru 

In India’s startup capital, Bengaluru, hosted the four-day in-person selection event.

Candidates participated in group discussions, parliamentary-style debates, and collaborative tasks designed to assess both individual brilliance and teamwork capabilities.

Organizers also closely evaluated their commitment to nation-building, sincerity towards the Community, Human Relations and personal discipline

From this stage, 70 leaders were selected, each awarded a Certificate of Leadership in addition to a Certificate of Participation.

Silent Assessment for the Final 40 

On July 1, 2025, the same day as the 70 Leaders’ announcement, AIMDC formed an Adhoc (Consultation) Committee of 40 Under 40 Leader blending self-nominated leaders and organizer nominations.

They were asked to pick two projects of their interest from a curated list of initiatives aligned with Community and nation-building. The objective: evaluate their decision-making capabilities, foster team bonding, spark brainstorming, and plant the foundational seeds of advanced leadership skills.

Unbeknownst to many participants, this period doubled as an “invisible” final evaluation. Organizers monitored sincerity, akhlaaq (good character), ikhlaas (pure intentions), punctuality, and the ability to follow through on commitments. Participation in educational events, organizational skills, and collaborative spirit were also critical factors in determining who would advance.

The Final 40 — India’s Muslim Leaders of Tomorrow 

After months of observation, assessment, and engagement, AIMDC has now announced the final 40 Under 40 Leaders — individuals under the age of 40 whose vision, expertise, and dedication position them as catalysts for positive change.

We were truly overwhelmed by the remarkable talent, dedication, and vision demonstrated by all 70 leaders who participated in the process. After a rigorous evaluation, the final 40 leaders selected under the 40 Under 40 Initiative will form the National Executive, serving as the strategic and driving force of the initiative.

Recognizing the immense value and potential of the remaining 30 outstanding leaders, we have proudly welcomed them as members of the National 40u40 Team. They will play a pivotal role in executing projects and events at all levels, ensuring our mission reaches communities across the country and contributes meaningfully to nation-building.

“This initiative is more than a recognition program — it is the foundation of a Change,” said an AIMDC Gen Secretary. – Mohammed Imthiyaz “These leaders represent the intellectual, moral, and strategic strength needed to guide our community and contribute meaningfully to the nation.”

“I came here thinking I would meet other young leaders. I leave knowing I am part of a network, a brotherhood and sisterhood of purpose,” said one of the selected leaders from Maharashtra.

“The process was humbling. It wasn’t just about our CVs — it was about our character, our sincerity, and our ability to work for something bigger than ourselves,” added another finalist from Kerala.

Sidebar: Fields of Expertise Represented in the Final 40

•                   Education Specialists

•                   Politicians & Policy Advocates

•                   Corporate Leaders & Entrepreneurs

•                   Engineers & Doctors

•                   Activists & Journalists

•                   Legal Experts & Researchers

•                   Shariah Scholars & Counsellors

•                   Motivational Speakers & Coaches

•                   Economic Policy Experts

•                   Ulemas

•                   Students

Names of the Selected  Candidates: 

Afza Khan

Imaan Hawwa Hafiz

Amreen Farooq

Juveriya Sarkar

Amrin Ayaz Shaikh

K. HAJIRA SULTHANA

Areefa ali

Ramsa Jaan

B Seeni Rahfu Nisha

Raniya Zulaikha

Fathima Saba

Rikza Pervez

Gulzar Karishma Malik

Shabnam Mohammed Akbar Khan

Hina Fatima Sarfraz Ali Sayed

Zulekha S Rajani

Mufti Yahya Moin Samar

Mohd Imad Ali

Abdul Gani Nadeem Punjabi

Mohd Ovais

Adil kampoo

Mohd Zeeshan

Afsar Rayeen

Mossab Mustafa Khan

Asadullah Waliullah Khan

Muhammed Rafi KE

Asiruddin Shaikh

Mujtaba Muneeb

Dr Bilal Sheth

Nawaz S

Dr Mirza Alamdar Ali Baig

Nouman Alam

Fahad Abdul Basit Hani

Ramiz Abdul Wadood

Khan Abdur Rehman

Reyaz Haider

Md Faizan

Sarfaraz Khan

Md Faizan Ahmad

Sarfraj Nawaj

Md Faizul Bari

Seemab Qayyum

Md Fateen Raza

Shaaz ahmed faruqui

Md Hifzur Rahman

Shaik Shabeer

Md Osama

Sharukh Syed

Md Sadaf Kamran

Sheikh Khurshid Alam

Md Saleh Umar

Suhaim ul islam

Md Yazdani Feroze

Syed Ansar Ali

Meer Faisal

Syed Hamid Ali Moin

Mohamed Maaz

Syed Shoaib Qasim

Mohammad Aamir Ansari

Syed Umar Ahmed

Mohammad Abdul Ahad

Tariq Abdullah Akhon

Mohammed Aftab Ahamed

Umar Farooq Masoodi

Mohammed Feroz

Wafi Shihad

Mohammed Gulam Ahmed Khan

Yusuf Mohamedy

Mohammed Ismail

Zubair Ahmed

About AIMDC’s Vision

The All India Muslim Development Council (AIMDC) is committed to fostering leadership that serves both the Community and the nation with excellence, integrity, and unity. The 40 Under 40 Leaders Initiative is envisioned as an incubator for change-makers, equipping them with networks, mentorship, and the moral compass required to navigate the complex challenges of modern society with Collective Efforts

source: http://www.muslimmirror.com / Muslim Mirror / Home> Indian Muslims> Positive Story / by Muslim Mirror Network / August 16th, 2025

Dr M G Anwar Batcha Celebrates 50 Years of Literary Service

Amazing Feats, Books (incl.Biographies - w.e.f.01 jan 2018 ), Education, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Coimbatore, TAMIL NADU :

THEN AND NOW: Dr M G Anwar Batcha started writing a Thirukkural couplet with its meaning everyday since 1977 on a black board kept at a cycle shop at Coimbatore Gandhi Park. Post retirement, he continues his mission of popularising and promoting Thirukkural among the public.

So goes the inspiring quote of Missile Man of India Dr APJ Abdul Kalam – “Every small step taken with determination leads to great achievements.” Taking a cue from this, a former Tamil teacher Dr M G Anwar Batcha, known as Kural Yogi in the literary circle, celebrated 50 years of his literary journey penning books, writing a couplet with its meaning everyday on a board kept at a cycle shop at Gandhi Park in the heart of Coimbatore city since 1977.

It’s always fascinating to rewind the golden days of teaching, speaking at literary meetings and what not. As a faculty with 25-year service at Chokkampudur SBOA Matriculation Higher Secondary School in Coimbatore city, Thirukkural Batcha, a resident of Kuniyamuthur, took a trip down the memory lane to share his experience about Thirukkural, which is close to his heart.

It may be noted that a special story was featured on him in 2010 in The New Indian Express when S Kamalakannan was a senior photographer and during a routine round across the city found him writing a couplet on a black board. Worth mentioning that he makes it a point to sensitise people through his books and speeches at a plethora of events both inland and abroad. Words cannot express the amount of happiness he has in doing this literary service for over 50 years or so.

In all smiles, he said, “Life is indeed a journey filled with ups and downs, and how we navigate these fluctuations defines our resilience and character.” And that’s what Saint Thiruvalluvar had said in his 1330 couplets. Elaborating on it further, he remarked, “This ancient Tamil text is a profound testament to the intellectual and cultural achievements of Tamil civilization. Beyond its philosophical depth, the Thirukkural holds immense historical significance as a cornerstone of Tamil literature and a universal guide for human conduct. Shedding more light on it, he said Thirukkural’s focus on equality is evident in its rejection of caste discrimination, a radical stance in an era when hierarchical structures were prevalent.

Crossing a 50-year milestone,  Anwar Batcha no doubt is creating a silent revolution. All credit goes to his mentors Pulavar Rasiannan and Pulavar Arumugam, while studying at City Municipal High School at Variety Hall Road, who groomed him and brought the best out of him to be what he is now. In a step further, they motivated him to enhance his skills in Tamil.

To his credit, Anwar Batcha has awards including Tamil Nadu Government honour, Kural Neri Chelvar, Thirukkural Thoothar, Thirukkural Vendar and Thirukkural Thondar. And he penned a book on Thirukkural with English translation besides a book titled Valluvar Manimozhigal and Valluvaridam Kettathum Kidaithathum. Batcha is quite proficient in Urdu, Hindi, Malayalam and Telugu.

Retired, but not tired to actively involve in literary organisations like Thirukkural Aaivu Kazhagam, Ulaga Kalai Tamil Mandram, Coimbatore World Thirukkural Centre and organiser of Kovai Islamiya Tamil Sangam, Anwar Batcha did his doctorate on ‘Samuga Nokkil Thirukkuralum, Thirukkuranum’. US-based writer of inspirational maxims William Arthur Ward rightly categorised teachers thus: The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires. True to his words, Dr Anwar Batcha has inspired scores of his students who have made their ‘guru’ proud.

[The author is former Indian Express and Deccan Chronicle chief]

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Latest News / by M Rafi Ahmed / by Radiance News Bureau / August 16th, 2025

Misbah Fatima shines in academics and sports

Amazing Feats, Sports, Women/Girls(since May26-2021), , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Doda District (Jammu), JAMMU & KASHMIR :

Misbah Fatima, a prominent Taekwondo athlete from district Doda and daughter of Mr. Liaqat Ali Shah, has made her community proud by securing 85% marks in her 11th class examinations.

A resident of Doda, Misbah is not only excelling in academics but also has an impressive track record in Taekwondo.

She is a National and State Taekwondo Medalist and has participated in various esteemed championships, including the Khelo India Women’s Taekwondo League.

The community and her well-wishers extend their heartfelt congratulations to Misbah Fatima for her outstanding academic performance. Her dedication and perseverance in both her studies and sports are truly inspiring. We wish her continued success in all her future endeavors.

source: http://www.brighterkashmir.com / Brighter Kashmir / Home / by Abid Pampori / July 17th, 2024