Tag Archives: Muslims of India

Metalco Group’s Abdul Razak Kote conferred with ‘Best Entrepreneur of Bahrain’ award

Udupi District, KARNATAKA / BAHRAIN:

 Haji Abdul Razak Kote Hejmady, owner of Metalco Group of Companies was conferred with ‘Best Entrepreneur of Bahrain’ award.

Former President of India Ramnath Kovind presented the award to Haji Abdul Razak.

Abdul Razak, who is the president of Dakshina Kannada Muslim Welfare Association in involved in social and religious works since many years.

Abdul Razak has been residing in Bahrain from the past 47 years. He hails from the Kote family of Hejmady in Udupi district.

He has been the voice of Muslim Community of this Island for three decades and with his vision he established Dakshina Kannada Muslim Welfare Association, which continuously works for the betterment of the community.

Abdul Razak has been a tireless advocate for the Tulu and Kannada communities. His contribution towards various programmes to promote Tulu and Kannada languages and culture has been phenomenal.

source: http://www.daijiworld.com / DaijiWorld.com / Home> Top Stories / by Daijiworld Media Network – Bahrain (MS) / September 23rd, 2023

Jamia student’s startup secures Rs 4cr seed funding to propel growth

NEW DELHI:

The promising startup VTEC, operating under the wings of Jamia Millia Islamia, has reached a significant milestone by securing ₹4 Crore in seed funding from an angel investor. 

Jamia student's startup secures Rs 4cr seed funding to propel growth

New Delhi: 

In a momentous achievement for Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) one of its talented MBA students and an ambitious entrepreneur, Mohammad Uwais, has successfully secured 4 crore in seed funding for his Startup VTEC.

This remarkable accomplishment has garnered attention and admiration not only within the university but also in the wider entrepreneurial community. The startup, initially bootstrapped, has now taken a significant step forward with this infusion of capital.

The promising startup VTEC, operating under the wings of Jamia Millia Islamia, has reached a significant milestone by securing ₹4 Crore in seed funding from an angel investor. This accomplishment marks a pivotal moment in the journey of the innovative venture, setting the stage for its rapid expansion and continued success.

The startup, VTEC, has thus far been a self-funded endeavour, demonstrating the dedication and perseverance of its entrepreneurial team. However, the recent infusion of ₹4 Crore in seed capital represents a major turning point. In exchange for this funding, the investor will acquire a 10% equity stake in VTEC, valuing the company at ₹40 Crores. This investment, which represents the pre-seed round for the company, will fuel VTEC’s ambitious growth plans.

VTEC is a multifaceted consulting firm that operates across various sub-domains, including political consulting, business consulting, finance consulting, and healthcare consulting. With a dedicated and dynamic team at its helm, VTEC has gained recognition for its expertise, innovative solutions, and commitment to delivering value to its clients.

This substantial injection of capital will allow VTEC to accelerate its expansion efforts, enhance its service offerings, and bolster its market presence. The funding will be utilized to develop cutting-edge solutions, expand the company’s client base, and invest in talent acquisition and development.

JMI takes immense pride in its association with VTEC and acknowledges the entrepreneurial spirit displayed by its students. The university’s commitment to fostering innovation and supporting its students’ entrepreneurial endeavours is evident through this collaboration.

The successful seed funding round reflects the confidence that investors have in VTEC’s potential to make a meaningful impact in the consulting industry. The company’s dedication to excellence, coupled with its commitment to serving diverse sectors, positions it as a valuable player in the consulting landscape.

As VTEC embarks on this exciting new phase of growth, the university extends its best wishes and unwavering support to the young entrepreneurs behind this venture. This accomplishment serves as a testament to the entrepreneurial ecosystem at JMI and underscores the institution’s commitment to nurturing talent and fostering innovation.

source: http://www.ummid.com / Ummid.com / Home> Business & Economy / by ummid.com news network / September 19th, 2023

Kerala Blasters pay Rs 25 Lakhs transfer fee to get Danish Farooq early

JAMMU & KASHMIR:

Danish Farooq Kerala Blasters ISL 2022-23 Indian Super Legaue contract details transfer fee salary revealed
(Courtesy : ISL Media)

The midfielder played a crucial part in Simon Grayson’s BFC.

Bengaluru FC midfielder Danish Farooq Bhat has signed a 3.5-year deal with Kerala Blasters, Khel Now can confirm. “Earlier, the player agreed to sign a three-year pre-contract with Kerala Blasters, but injury concerns forced the club to cash out Danish Farooq before his contract expired with Bengaluru FC,” a source close to the development told Khel Now.

The source added, “Kerala Blasters have paid approximately 25 lakhs transfer fee to Bengaluru FC to obtain his service. Danish will earn approximately 90 Lakhs* per year as his salary.”

About the Player

Danish Farooq was born on May 9, 1996, in Jammu & Kashmir. He started his playing career at a very young age for a local team called Chinar Valley. At the age of 13, Danish joined the J&K Bank Football Academy where he perfected his game as a youngster. Danish had major success with this club as he went on to win 12 league titles for them.

In 2015, Danish signed a professional contract with Lonestar Kashmir and played for them in the 2015-16 I-League 2nd division. He helped his team to reach the final round, however, the team fell short and failed to qualify for the I-League.

Danish Farooq rose to fame in the latter half of 2016 when he signed for Real Kashmir. He helped the Snow Leopards to secure the championship of the 2017-18 I-League 2nd division and was also the joint top-scorer of the team with four goals. He helped his team to qualify for the I-League during his tenure.

In 2021, Danish Farooq made a big step in his career by joining Bengaluru FC as a free agent. He had instant success with the Blues and soon became a key player in their midfield. Danish has scored four goals and assisted twice for the Blues in the ISL.

Danish Farooq is a versatile player who can handle multiple positions on the ground. He can be deployed as a midfielder and winger at the same time. His versatility will certainly help Kerala Blasters who wished to add more depth to the squad.

Kerala Blasters in ISL 2022-23

Kerala Blasters are having a dream run under Serbian head coach Ivan Vukamanovic. The club was able to continue the heroics from the previous season and are currently doing very well. They’re currently a team who has a higher probability of qualifying for the playoffs. Even with so many outgoings before the start of the season, KBFC managed to top the game on several occasions.

This season has witnessed the rise of Nihal Sudeesh, Bryce Miranda, and Saurav Mandal among the Indian players. Their forward Dimitrios Diamantakos is currently in top form as he continues to score screamers for the side. The 2022-23 ISL season also witnessed the transfer of Puitea to ATK Mohun Bagan for an undisclosed transfer fee.

source: http://www.khelnow.com / Khel Now / Home> ISL – Indian Super League / by Sattyik Sarkar / January 31st, 2023

Newsmaker | BJP’s first Muslim MLA in Tripura who won with record margin: Meet Tafajjal Hossain

Kalamchowra Village (Boxanagar), TRIPURA:

Hossain says people of all faiths voted for him, and he will work for everyone; CPI(M) blames Hossain’s 30,000-plus margin victory from Boxanagar, a seat held by it for 25 years, on rigging.

Tripura Boxanagar bypolls
Sepahijala: BJP candidate Tafajjal Hossain celebrates his victory in the Boxanagar assembly bypoll, at Sonamura in Sepahijala district of Tripura, Friday, Sept. 8, 2023. (PTI Photo)

THE BIG Boxanagar victory has ensured that the BJP now has its first ever Muslim MLA in Tripura, Tafajjal Hossain.

The 49-year-old won the seat that had been held by the CPI(M) for the last 25 years by more than 30,000 votes in the Septembe 5 bypoll, making it the biggest-ever victory margin in Tripura.

Hossain had lost to CPI(M) candidate Mohd Shamshul Haque from Boxanagar in the Assembly elections held in February this year, by a narrow margin of 4,849 votes. The BJP reposed its faith in him when Haque’s death necessitated the bypoll. The CPI(M) candidate was Haque’s son Mijan Hossain.

With nearly 80% of the votes cast going to Hossain, the CPI(M) has been claiming large-scale rigging and electoral manipulation.

Dismissing such allegations , Hossain says he will work for people of all faiths in his constituency – Hindus, Muslims, Buddhists or Christians – as everyone had voted for him. “I happen to be the first minority legislator of the BJP in Tripura, but all the voters in my constituency voted for me in large numbers,” Hossain told The Indian Express.

He attributes his win from Boxanagar, a seat either won by the Congress or Left so far, as a factor of people being aware of things now, thanks to smartphones, the Internet and the Modi government’s Digital India campaign. People are reluctant to join pointless movements and agitations now, and are instead interested only in development, he says.

Congress to BJP to giant-killer

Hossain’s political journey is not uncommon in these parts. He used to be a Congress leader, having served as vice-president of the Congress for Sonamura district, and became a member of the Tripura PCC in 2011.

Two years later, Hossain defected to the party. This was around the time Biplab Kumar Deb at the time was leading an aggressive push for the BJP in the state, making it a party to look out for from one that was electorally irrelevant in Tripura. By 2016, Hossain was state secretary of the BJP Minority Morcha.

In 2015, Hossain plunged full-time into politics, passing on his profession of a government contractor for 15 years. Between 2017 and 2018, he served as member of the BJP’s state-level booth formation committee and in-charge of booth verification for Sonamura and Boxanagar mandals (constituency-level committees).

Till last year, Hossain was the BJP’s Sepahijala South district vice-president. Before the 2023 Assembly elections, he was appointed mandal prabhari (in-charge) of Boxanagar, before being named BJP candidate from the same seat.

While he lost the February elections, Hossain’s win came despite the CPI(M) having the advantage of the Congress by its side while the TIPRA Motha did not field a candidate. In February, the Motha candidate had got 3,000-plus votes. Both CPI(M) and Congress leaders campaigned for the Left candidate, but could not make a dent in Hossain’s performance.

High on his victory, Hossain lists his agenda to be providing Boxanagar road connectivity, electricity transmission and services, sufficient teachers in schools and fire brigade services. “During the campaign, Chief Minister Manik Saha promised he would extend his support to all the developmental initiatives I undertake,” he says.

On the top of Hossain’s agenda list is improving schools. A native of Kalamchowra village in Boxanagar, Hossain, who studied up to Class 10, has two school-going children.

Smarting from the poll loss, the CPI(M) said the huge margin of Hossain’s win was questionable. CPI(M) state secretary Jitendra Chaudhary said: “We won in February by a margin of nearly 5,000 votes. Six months later, we lost by over 30,000 votes. This is ridiculous. Voters were obstructed from going out to vote. There is sufficient evidence of fake voting, which we furnished to the Election Commission, and demanded that the polls be countermanded. But nothing happened.”

Tripura Congress president Ashish Kumar Saha claims rigging and poll violations “on a massive scale”, reducing the by-election to a mockery.

The Motha ironically blames the CPI(M) for the results , accusing the Left of running away from the field in the face of violence during counting. “If a party does not have the courage to fight for the people, backing out at the last moment to leave its own loyal workers to suffer, then why contest? The TIPRA Motha has withstood the pressures of being a party that speaks up for the rights of the indigenous people,” Motha founder and royal scion Pradyot Kishore Manikya Debbarma posted on X, soon after the bypoll results.

Rubbishing the allegations, Hossain says the CPI(M) got the votes it did in February only by creating a “false vibe” that it was going to win, amid rumours that the Motha would align with it. “The BJP dispelled the confusion this time, so people voted wholeheartedly in favour of development, resulting in my massive win.”

source: http://www.indianexpress.com / The Indian Express / Home> News> Political Pulse / by Debraj Deb, Agartala / September 12th, 2023

AIMCA students secure top ranks in Karnataka University examination

Bhatkal, KARNATAKA:

Bhatkal:

Students of the Anjuman Institute of Management and Computer Application (AIMCA) have achieved remarkable success by securing top ranks in the annual university examination conducted by Karnataka University Dharwad (KUD).

In the Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) stream, Aisha Rufi, daughter of Jameel Hussain Fakardey, secured the first rank with an impressive score of 94.95% marks.

Wasira, daughter of Abdul Jabbar Shingeti, secured the eighth rank with a commendable score of 91.69% marks, while Eifa, daughter of Habibullah Siddibapa, secured the ninth rank with 91.67% marks, as announced in a press release by the Principal of AIMCA.

Anjuman Hamee-e-Muslimeen President Kazia Muzammil, General Secretary Ismail Siddique, Principal Mohammad Mohsin, and other staff members congratulated the students on their remarkable achievement in the university examination.

source: http://www.varthabharati.in / Vartha Bharati / Home> Karavali / by Vartha Bharati / August 23rd, 2023

Minorities Research Chair Set Up In First Private University Established By Muslims In Rajasthan’s Jodhpur

Jodhpur, RAJASTHAN:

Jodhpur:

In a major initiative set to generate new avenues, the Jodhpur-based Maulana Azad University, which is the first private university established by the Muslim community in Rajasthan, has set up a Minorities Research Chair for conducting targeted studies and research on the issues, problems and challenges confronting the minority communities in the state. The research chair will make important recommendations after its studies.

The Minorities Affairs Department of the Congress government in Rajasthan has sanctioned Rs. 2 crores as financial assistance for the research chair. The university was established by the Marwar Muslim Educational & Welfare Society (MMEWS) at Bujhawar village on the outskirts of Jodhpur in 2013. The institution of higher education is now imparting education to more than 15,000 students belonging to Muslim and other less privileged communities in multiple disciplines of studies.

The Minorities Research Chair will function under Maulana Azad University’s Centre of Excellence and Research, for which Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot had granted Rs. 15 crores in 2022. The research chair, which is expected to make a meaningful intervention for the development of Muslims and other minorities, is the brainchild of noted educationist Mohammed Atique, who is the MMEWS Chief Executive Officer and the Founder-Chancellor of Maulana Azad University.

The research chair was inaugurated at a grand function organized on the university premises in the presence of Rajasthan Minorities Affairs Minister Saleh Mohammed, Rajasthan Madrasa Board Chairman M.D. Chopdar, several MLAs, public representatives, government officers, educationists, distinguished citizens, journalists and social activists on August 16. The university is already running M.Phil and Ph.D. programmes in various streams.

In his address, Saleh Mohammed said the Maulana Azad University, which had made consistent progress during the last 10 years, was another name for high-quality scientific education in the future. The Minorities Research Chair would prove to be extremely beneficial for research and education in the areas crucial for the development of minority communities, he said.

After the research chair’s inauguration, the Central Equipment Room of the university’s Faculty of Pharmacy, and the classroom furniture and virtual smart classes of Crescent Public School and Maulana Azad Upper Primary School run by MMEWS were dedicated to the students. A poster of the foreign language training programme under the Chief Minister’s Minority Language Proficiency and Communication Skills Development Scheme was also released on the occasion.

Mr Atique said the Maulana Azad University was making sincere efforts to achieve the goal of “education for all” with a clear objective that no child from the weaker sections of any community should be deprived of education because of the lack of basic facilities. University president Jameel Kazmi said the research chair would review the progress of the government’s schemes for the development of minority communities and evaluate their achievements and success, besides identifying the obstacles in their implementation.

Presiding over the function, M.D. Chopdar described Atique as “Sir Syed” of the modern era while pointing out that the initiatives taken under his leadership in Jodhpur had made a record of sorts. He said the Madrasa Board was taking steps for the modernization and development of madrasas, for which the MMEWS was rendering full cooperation to it. Chopdar also flagged off a vehicle carrying the furniture supplied by the Madrasa Board to various schools in the city.

Luni MLA Mahendra Singh Bishnoi, Jodhpur City MLA Manisha Panwar and Congress leader from Soorsagar Assembly constituency, Ayub Khan, were special guests at the function. All of them praised the stellar role played by the MMEWS and Maulana Azad University in improving the educational standard of the Muslim community in Jodhpur. A large number of distinguished citizens from Barmer, Jaisalmer, Pokhran and Phalodi in western Rajasthan also came to attend the function.

The MMEWS, established in 1929 during the pre-Independence era, runs as many as 330 educational, health and social institutions. Atique has been instrumental in easing the lives of more than 45,000 youths through these institutions working in varied fields of education, health care, community development, rural development, waste-to-wealth initiatives and skill development programmes during the last four decades.

The then ruler of Jodhpur princely state, Maharaja Umaid Singh, was the patron of MMEWS and had gifted a school named ‘Durbar Muslim School’ to the Society in 1936. The Rajasthan government allotted five acres of land to the MMEWS in 1978, on which the Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Muslim Senior Secondary School was constructed.

Since then, the MMEWS has established several institutions, including the Industrial Training Institute, Nursing College, Pharmacy College, B.Ed. College, Mai Khadija Hospital, Rahmatul-Lil-Alameen Blood Bank, Marwar Adarsh Gaushala and Bujhawar Veterinary Hospital.

The MMEWS established the university in 2013 with the intention of providing higher education to the most deprived and marginalized sections of society.

The first president (Vice-Chancellor) of Maulana Azad University was the noted Islamic scholar from New Delhi, Akhtarul Wasey. The current president, Jameel Kazmi, hailing from Jaipur, has taken steps for interdisciplinary studies while maintaining the indigenous ethos and the spirit of plurality in the university’s functioning.

About 45,000 students have so far passed out from the MMEWS group of institutions and become doctors, engineers and business people and entered other professions as well. Some of them have also established nursing homes and clinics in remote rural areas, which are often ignored in the government’s development plans. Maulana Azad University has set the motto, “Gain Knowledge and Serve Mankind”, for itself.

source: http://www.indiatomorrow.net / India Tomorrow / Home> Education / by the India Tomorrow Correspondent / August 25th, 2023

Meet Mubeena Ramzan, the trailblazer in imparting women’s education and property rights

Sopore (Baramulla District) , JAMMU & KASHMIR:

“In today’s world, if something goes wrong in our household, women are held responsible,” said Mubeena Ramzan, an iconic figure for women’s rights and upliftment in Kashmir. Featured in “The World’s 500 Most Influential Muslims of 2019” and born in the ‘apple town of Kashmir’, Sopore, she had always been a “sensitive” child who always looked around for people who were not so privileged. She had a strong desire to help the underprivileged but financial constraints made her helpless. Growing up, she aimed to change this and be instrumental in helping the lesser fortunate women around her.

“When I initially started, we were just a few people but the recognition of our Kashmiri people who stood with me and joined our cause made me happier,” she shared about being among the most influential Muslims of 2019. Mubeena completed her studies in her native town and joined a private college run by Anjuman Moin-ul-Islam which was the only college for women at Sopore then. “Whenever things are wrong at home, a woman is asked to do a job and support the family,” she recalled. Speaking about her immediate surroundings, she detailed how women were still suppressed “in the garb of religion as interpreted by the village elders and religious leaders.” Disturbed by such wrong interpretations of the status of women in Islam, she was motivated to get educated and work towards improvisation concerning women rights.

“There is an ayah in the Quran which talks about women to remain inside four walls of their homes but we have forgotten that every ayah had its own context,” Mubeena stated while defining her motivation to pursue Islamic Studies. “Our so-called maulvis used Islam as a tool to suppress women while Islam is the only religion which empowers women in every aspect of her life,” she added. Driven by this zeal, she went to the University of Kashmir for pursuing Masters in Islamic Studies. Her choice of studying the interpretation of Islamic teachings was aimed “to look inside the teaching which catered to women.”

“In Islam, women have been given property rights but whenever a daughter asks for her share she is abandoned and fought off,” says Mubeena. Her harrowing experiences of witnessing abandoned women with limited access to clothes, food or water motivated her to enrol for a B.Ed., M.Phil and PhD in Islamic Law. Her vision remained to challenge the deliberately flawed interpretations of Islamic teaching that caused Muslim women untold misery. After her studies, she initially started working as a research associate, looking for opportunities to educate, help and empower women through Islamic teaching. She feels that when people “want to truly empower a woman they should give her the share from the property.”

“In Islam, women don’t have any economic liabilities, men were created as the protector and guardian of women so it’s his responsibility to look after her,” Mubeena explained. She completed two theses on Islamic Law and Social Evils as well as on Shah-e-Hamdan and Orientalism. Her education has taught her that “there needs to be more resources for women’s empowerment and education.” To contribute to the cause, she continued working in various educational institutions as a contractual lecturer and research associate and went on to open her own institution for women, Jamia Islamia Mahdul Muslimaat.

“The vocational training in activities like cutting, tailoring, and computer skills here empower and helps us to support ourselves financially,” says Nahila Wani, a senior student at Jamia Islamia Mahdul Muslimaat. The school provides shelter, food, clothes, and education free of cost to all needy students. “Many students who have received an education from this institution have gone on to open their own schools, benefiting our society,” shares Nahila who added that the well-balanced curriculum “fosters independence and awareness among women, making them conscious of their duties and rights.”

“There were so-called preachers who said that I can’t run this institution as I am a woman,” she said while recounting the initial three years of starting the institution. She explained that initially the establishment faced many problems but over time they installed networks with professional teams including top doctors in the valley. The emphasis here lies in educating women in Quranic exegesis, science of Hadith, Jurisprudence, and History, while also training them in languages like Arabic, English, Urdu, and computer skills. “Our goal is to equip them with the necessary skills to become self-reliant and competent individuals,” said Mubeena.

In 2014, Mubeena also started Ansar-ul-Nisa, a socio-religious organization that provides special support to needy orphans, would-be-brides, and widows. Through the organization, she came across several cases of suicidal cases of women, especially among married women. According to the latest National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) report, there was a 15.62% increase in crimes against women in 2021 compared to the year 2020. Over 7,000 arrests were made in cases of women harassment in the union territory in 2021. In the 2011 Census, among 64 lakh women in the valley, the crime rate per lakh population in stood at 61.6% as of 2021. 315 cases of rape, 1,414 incidents of attempt to rape, and 14 dowry deaths were reported in 2021 wherein 91.4% of cases showed that the accused were known to the victims. Around 1,851 cases of physical assault on women with the intention to outrage their modesty was also caused. The figures clashed with the lockdown in COVID-19 when suicidal tendencies among Kashmiri women grew rapidly, the same time around Mubeena’s team was expanding women counselling activities.

The counseling cell works 24×7 hours to help Kashmiri women in such events wherein one of the cases she dealt with was involving a girl who was abandoned by both her parents who had separated and remarried and registered her as an orphan. Her organization fought on the social front against her father ultimately convincing the local elders to rightly grant some portion of the property in her name. The girl was married off soon after and is currently living happily with her husband and a daughter. Two more orphan sisters studying in Jamia Islamia Mahdul Muslimat received legal help to secure property share from their grandfather and are now living with their mother in their own house. Stories like this abound in Mubeena’s organizations.

“We believe in providing a safe space where newly married women, divorcees, and those suffering from mental health disorders can come to share their stories and find relief,” shares Mubeena. Through her institution’s counseling team of highly qualified professionals including top doctors and professors, they divert efforts to support them financially and emotionally. “As we look to the future, we aim to establish a helpline number to further expand our reach and continue to provide crucial support for those in need,” she said. At present, 600 girls are studying in the institutions and about 500 widows also receive financial assistance. Due to lack of funds, her plans of opening a college for skills-oriented courses are delayed.

Speaking about her future plans, she detailed that she aims to build an institution where all modern subjects are taught at par with Islamic education, alongside martial arts and vocational skills like cutting, designing, oratory, etc. “Our whole motive is to make women empowered through education,” Mubeena iterated her future plans.

Sadaf Shabir is an independent journalist. She tweets @sadafreports 

source: http://www.twocircles.net / TwoCircles.net / Home> India News /by Sadaf Shabir / May 24th, 2023

Seeni and Shameina’s journey of love and change continues in Alice Springs

Madurai, TAMIL NADU / Alice Springs (Arrernte, Northern Territory), AUSTRALIA:

Seeni and Shameina's journey of love and change continues in Alice Springs  - ABC News
Shameina Ibrahim and Seeni Mohammed are excited about their future in Alice Springs.(Supplied)

Growing up in Madurai in South India, Seeni Mohammed had always aspired to call Australia home.

“Australia looks after me really well … and I’m happy here with my family and wife, and good culture. And everyone is welcoming,” he said.

Mr Mohammed, 27, believes that “everything is awesome” now that he has obtained his citizenship.

Seeni Mohammed sits excitedly waiting to receive his citizenship.
Mr Mohammed is delighted to be an Australian citizen.(ABC Alice Springs: Evan Wallace)

His wife Shameina Ebrahim, 28, has a firsthand understanding of how significant the transition is for her husband.

“Citizenship might not seem a huge deal for some people but living in that position … as a family, and witnessing the struggle, I can personally say we’re so happy and proud of this moment,” she said.

Ms Ebrahim was born in Darwin to a migrant family from Southern India.

In 2018, the pair met through a mutual friend, and married the year after.

As a married couple, Ms Ebrahim has revisited some of the challenges that her own family experienced in navigating the shift to Australian life.

Mayor Matt Paterson stands with Seeni and Shameina in front of national flags.
Mr Mohammed had his citizenship conferred by Alice Springs Mayor Matt Paterson.(ABC Alice Springs: Evan Wallace)

“I’ve always been grateful for my parents making that hard choice and leaving their friends and family to get a better life for their kids,” she said.

“So seeing that growing up and also then going through it with my partner as well … it’s insightful.

“But you know, at the same time, it is rewarding because it keeps me humble.”

Making the transition

After marrying in 2019 at a wedding in India attended by over 1,000 people, the couple have prioritised respect and commitment in navigating married life.

Mr Mohammed has appreciated how a shift in values between India and Australia has shaped their relationship.

“Here everyone is equal, everyone has to have the same rights, everyone has the same part in everything. So that’s quite different,” he said.”Give value for men’s and women’s [rights], give respect to them. And give the words value so the life will be smooth.”

Seeni and Shameina stare lovingly with anticipation into one another's eyes at their wedding
Ms Ebrahim and Mr Mohammed married in India at a ceremony attended by 1,000 people.(Supplied)

For Ms Ebrahim, the transition hasn’t been without its “struggles”.

“Every life has its challenges, whether it be adapting to a new lifestyle, or transitioning from single life to being married … it really depends who you’re doing it with, your personalities need to be compatible,” she said.

“I can’t say that it was easy … we argue all the time, we’re not perfect or anything, but in that we’ve just learned to be supportive of each other.

“In sickness or in health, he’s kept his vows.”

Moving to the red centre

After living in Melbourne together for three years, the couple made the switch to Alice Springs when an exciting career opportunity emerged for Ms Ebrahim to work at the Central Australian Women’s Legal Service.

With the majority of Ms Ebrahim’s cases focusing on domestic violence, family law and housing insecurity, the young lawyer describes her daily life as “chaotic”.

At the same time, she has relished the opportunity to connect with the community.

Seeni and Shameina sit relaxing in Melbourne with a drink.
Ms Ebrahim says respect and commitment has been crucial in navigating married life.(Supplied)

Ms Ebrahim’s commitment to women’s rights has been reaffirmed by her positive experiences as a Muslim in Australia.

Growing up in Darwin, Ms Ebrahim started wearing a headscarf when she was 16 and has welcomed the response.

“I haven’t faced that much backlash in the community,” she said.

“I’ve been accepted and as a legal professional, I’m always out and about. I might be the odd one out, but you know, everyone’s been so loving and accepting.”

Seeni and Shameina stand playfully in front of house
Mr Mohammed and Ms Ebrahim lived in Melbourne together after marrying in 2019.(Supplied)

The inclusive and welcoming approach she experienced has extended to the couple’s time in Alice Springs.

“The community really supports you here,” Mr Mohammed said.

“It doesn’t matter about their background, or what ethnicity they’re from — they’re really supportive people, lovely people here.”

A future in Alice Springs

With Mr Mohammed’s goal of citizenship complete, they are now considering starting a family of their own on Arrernte country.

“We have fallen in love with Alice Springs,” Ms Ebrahim said.

“We came for better weather … and after falling in love with the town, we do see a future here and potentially raising a family as well as developing our own careers.

Seeni and Shameina stand positively after the citizenship ceremony
Ms Ebrahim and Mr Mohammed are considering starting a family in Alice Springs.(ABC Alice Springs: Evan Wallace)

Regardless of how long the couple stay in the Northern Territory, Ms Ebrahim is excited to continue building a future with a man who she loves “wholeheartedly”.

For Mr Mohammed, the feeling is very much mutual.

“I love her so much,” he said.

“I should say thanks to the god.”

source: http://www.abc.net.au / ABC News / Home> ABC Alice Springs / by Evan Wallace / March 25th, 2023

Wreath laying ceremony to commemorate death anniversary of Brigadier M. Usman, MVC (P), July 03rd

INDIA:

A Wreath Laying Ceremony to commemorate the death anniversary of Brigadier Mohammad Usman, MVC (P) was organised at his Memorial in Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) Cemetery on 03rd July 2023.

 Wreath laying ceremony of late Brig Mohd Usman held


Several Retired and Serving officers including Lt Gen Pushpendra Singh, SM** Col of the PARA Regiment and DG OL & SM, Brig. Rajneesh Mohan Cdr 50 (I) PARA Bde, Lt. Gen Gurbir Pal Singh, AVSM, VSM, DG NCC Delhi, Lt. Gen Velayudhan Sreehari, AVSM, SC, SM, AG’s BR DG (MP&PS), Lt Gen Subriti S Dahiya, SM VSM, Comdt NDC and Maj Gen Prashant Srivastava, AVSM, SM, Addl MS (B) attended the function and paid their
tributes by laying a wreath at the Memorial of Brig. M. Usman, MVC (P).


A wreath was also placed at the Memorial of Brig. M. Usman PVC (P) on behalf of JMI Vice Chancellor Prof. Najma Akhtar (Padma Shri), as her tribute to the memory of the gallant officer. NCC cadets and officers were also present to witness the solemn occasion and pay their respects.

Jamia Millia Islamia (NAAC A++ Grade Central Univ) on Twitter: "A wreath  laying ceremony to commemorate the death anniversary of Late Brigadier M.  Usman, MVC was organised today by a contingent from


Under Brig. Mohammad Usman, MVC (P) Para Brigade successfully defended the city of Naushera against Pakistani Tribal forces, and then valiantly recaptured the city of Jhangar.

Late Brigadier Mohammad Usman, also known as the savior of Naushera, was responsible for the recapture of Jhangar & Naushera (Jammu & Kashmir) during 1947- 48 war with Pakistan.

The gallant officer attained martyrdom on 03rd July 1948 when an
enemy artillery shell landed close to him in Naushera.

source: http://www.jmi.ac.in / Jamia Millia Islamia – JMI / Home / by Public Relations Office / July 03rd, 2023

Dawoodi Bohras launch global program to conserve rainfall water

INDIA:

The rainfall water conservation project
The rainfall water conservation project

New Delhi :

The Dawoodi Bohra community has launched a global program to conserve water and recharge groundwater through effective rainwater harvesting techniques.

Recognising the global water scarcity issues, the leader of the Dawoodi Bohra community, His Holiness Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin, in his recent address to community members in Mombasa, Kenya, stressed the importance of preserving and conserving water.

“Following the instructions of Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin, a team of over 200 community officials were mobilised to visit more than 250 villages, towns and cities in India to study the strain on existing water supplies and provide support for building a more resilient and sustainable water management system”, said Shabbir Najmuddin, Associate Executive Trustee of Burhani Foundation, the community’s 30-year-old environmental body which is leading this initiative in collaboration with other organisations.

The process of water conservation 

“As part of the first phase of the water conservation program, we targeted water-challenged areas in India by guiding them to harvest rainwater in their backyards, wells, ponds and other local catchment areas,” Najmuddin added, awareness programs were also held at educational institutions and community centres to showcase various methods of rainwater harvesting and their benefits in revitalising depleted groundwater levels.

“Various stakeholders in the water management field and municipalities were also consulted and involved in the survey to gauge the local conditions and take their opinions in adopting methods that best suit the region’s topography,” he added.

For the long-term rollout of the program, Burhani Foundation is identifying project coordinators from each area who will be tagged to experts to troubleshoot issues and facilitate the installation of rainwater harvesting systems in their regions. In the coming days, the Foundation is also going to reach out to community representatives from across the globe to harness the power of rainfall in their regions and share best practices for other areas to adopt. Besides that, the Trust is also rejuvenating defunct wells in the identified areas.

During the survey of rainwater harvesting in households 43-year-old Ismail Raja from Shahada, a town in Nandurbar district of Maharashtra, shared, “We installed a rainwater harvesting system in our backyard two years ago to recharge our borewell. Since then we have never faced water shortage as our borewell provides water not just to our families but also at times to our neighbours.”

Another community member, Jaffer Shabbir (36) from Savda village next to Burhanpur in Madhya Pradesh, is using a simple yet effective solution to recharge the nearby well which had run dry in 2017. He says, “By collecting rainwater from the roof of our hall and parking area which we give on rent for weddings and other functions, we’re harnessing the power of rain to replenish the groundwater in the neighbourhood.”

The members checking the progress

Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin’s unwavering commitment to environmental conservation reflects in his broader vision of leading a harmonious and sustainable life. In his sermons, he continues to counsel the community to protect and preserve nature while inspiring individuals from all walks of life to actively participate in conserving natural resources and embracing practices that promote environmental sustainability.

According to NITI Aayog, nearly 600 million people, which is almost 50% of India’s population, are facing water shortage issues. The country is vulnerable to droughts as well as floods even as climate change is increasing unpredictability in weather patterns and leading to more extreme weather events. Rainwater harvesting, water reservoirs and other methods can help mitigate these extreme events by storing & recharging groundwater and releasing it when needed.

source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Story / by Shaista Fatima / July 02nd, 2023