Tag Archives: Muslims of Maharashtra

Khalid Jamil becomes Indian men’s football team coach on two-year contract

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PUNJAB / KUWAIT / Mumbai, MAHARASHTRA :

After confirming his appointment a few days back, AIFF has announced that Khalid Jamil has signed a full-time two-year contract to be the Indian football team coach.

The AIFF has announced that Khalid Jamil will be a full-time coach for the Indian men’s football team. Image: AIFF

Former midfielder Khalid Jamil has signed a full-time two-year contract to be the new Indian men’s football team coach, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) confirmed on Wednesday. Jamil, who was Jamshedpur FC’s coach in the Indian Super League (ISL), was picked as the top candidate by the AIFF Executive Committee on 1 August , but both parties were yet to agree on terms.

“I am both deeply proud and immensely privileged to have been entrusted with the responsibility of leading our national team,” Jamil said in an AIFF media release on Wednesday. “Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to train Indian players, and I’ve grown to understand their strengths and weaknesses intimately.

“These insights will be fundamental to everything we do as we prepare for the CAFA Nations Cup and the upcoming crucial Asian Cup Qualifiers against Singapore.”

Jamil to start tenure with CAFA Nations Cup

Jamil was picked by the AIFF ahead of India coach Stephen Constantine and Slovakian tactician Stefan Tarkovic. He will be the first Indian to coach the men’s national team after Savio Medeira in 2012.

The first training camp for the Indian football team under Jamil will start on 15 August at the Dravid-Padukone Centre for Sports Excellence in Bengaluru. The list of probables is expected to be announced soon.

Jamil’s first assignment as India coach will be the CAFA Nations Cup, where India are set to face hosts Tajikistan (August 29), IR Iran (September 1) and Afghanistan (September 4) in Group B.

In the October FIFA Window, India are scheduled to play AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers against Singapore (October 9 and 14).

Jamil’s coaching and playing career

While he doesn’t have the experience of coaching a national team, the 48-year-old has had an extensive management career at the club level, coaching Jamshedpur FC, NorthEast United FC, Aizawl FC, East Bengal FC, Mohun Bagan AC and Mumbai FC. With Aizawl FC, he won a historic I-League title in 2016-17.

He also helped Jamshedpur reach the Kalinga Super Cup 2025 final and the semi-finals of the ISL play-offs 2024-25.

As a player, he played 15 times for India, after making his debut in the 1997 SAFF Championship in Nepal, which the Blue Tigers won.

In his club career, Jamil won the National Football League, two Federation Cups and two IFA Shields with Mahindra United.

He also played for Air India and Mumbai FC. In the Santosh Trophy, Jamil represented Maharashtra, with whom he won the title in 1999.

source: http://www.firstpost.com / FirstPost. / Home / by FP Sports Desk / August 13th, 2025

Maharashtra’s First Muslim Woman Police Officer Retires After 36 Years

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Sangli, MAHARASHTRA :

ACP Rehana Sheikh, who received nearly 150 awards and served across Maharashtra, says she will continue to serve the nation even after retirement

Mumbai/Sangli , MAHARASHTRA :

Rehana Sheikh, Maharashtra’s first Muslim woman police officer, has retired after nearly 36 years of dedicated service. She started her journey as a sub-inspector and retired on 31 May from the post of Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP). At the time of retirement, she was working in the VIP security at Raj Bhavan in South Mumbai.

Governor of Maharashtra CP Radhakrishnan honoured ACP Rehana Sheikh on her retirement. She was recognised not just for her long career but also for her contribution to law enforcement and her trailblazing role as the first Muslim woman in the Maharashtra police force.

Speaking to Clarion India, Rehana Sheikh said, “I was the first Muslim woman to become a police officer in Sangli and Maharashtra. When I applied, 25,000 women took the police recruitment exam. Only 25 were selected and I was the only Muslim woman among them.”

Sheikh, who hails from Sangli, said her father served in the military, but no one in her family had worked in the police before. Her dream began when she was a national-level volleyball player. Watching the TV serial Udhan, which showed a woman police officer, inspired her to serve the country.

“A kabaddi player from our neighbourhood had become a sub-inspector. I had job offers from banks, but my volleyball coach asked me, ‘Do you want to be a clerk or an officer?’ That question changed my life,” she recalled.

Despite social challenges and the fact that a police job was not seen favourably at the time, her family stood by her. Rehana’s journey in the force was marked by both professional achievements and personal hardships.

“Shortly after I joined the force, my father passed away. I had to take care of my mother, younger sister and brothers. Then I got married in 1991, but my husband died in an accident in 1993. My son was very young at that time,” she said.

After her husband’s death, she was transferred to Solapur and later promoted and posted in Kolhapur. She remarried in 2004 and continued her service with dedication in various cities and districts of Maharashtra.

Rehana Sheikh worked during some of the most dangerous times in Mumbai’s history. “When I began my career, the underworld was very strong. Crimes were violent — beatings, murders. Now, the nature of crime has changed. We see more cybercrime and online fraud,” she explained.

She played an active role in many high-profile operations. “I was part of the police team during the Lokhandwala shootout. I was also involved in the search at Arun Gawli’s Dagdi Chawl, where we seized weapons. Those were difficult times, and I believe the new generation will find such work challenging.”

She also spoke about being among the first batch of women allowed to work at police stations. “Earlier, women officers were only posted at airports or less active places. We were the first to be allowed to work in police stations.”

Balancing home and duty has never been easy. “My husband and my colleagues supported me. I had the responsibility of my family and later my in-laws, too. But I managed both because of their support and Allah’s grace,” she said.

During her long career, Rehana Sheikh was honoured with nearly 150 awards. But for her, the real success lies in the lives she touched and the message she now wants to spread.

“My message to women is: be educated and join the police force. Serve the society, the nation and the country. Even after retirement, I want to continue working for the betterment of people,” she said with pride.

ACP Rehana Sheikh’s journey from Sangli to the top ranks of Mumbai’s police force is not only inspiring but also a symbol of determination, courage, and service.

source: http://www.clarionindia.net / Clarion India / Home> India> Indian Muslim / by Team Clarion / June 03rd, 2025

Mumbai’s Umar Sheikh Tops 8th Class Scholarship Exam with 72.79% Marks

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Mumbai, MAHARASHTRA :

Umar Sheikh’s determination and the school’s support have been vital to his academic achievements

New Delhi :

The Maharashtra State Examination Council’s recent 5th and 8th class scholarship exams witnessed remarkable achievements from students across the state. Among them, 954 students from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) schools secured places on the district merit list, with Muslim student Muhammad Umar Sheikh standing out as the top scorer in the 8th class scholarship exam with an impressive 72.79% marks.

This achievement is particularly significant given the exam’s difficulty and the fierce competition from students all over Maharashtra. The 8th class scholarship exam was held on February 9, drawing hundreds of participants. In the 5th class category, Ridhi Kamlesh Mishra from Vakola BMC Hindi Medium school topped with 79.19% marks.

Muhammad Umar Sheikh, a student of Deonar Colony MPS School No. 4 and currently in the ninth grade, secured 236 out of 300 marks, making him the highest scorer in all BMC schools for the 8th grade. This year, out of the 954 successful candidates, 536 were from the 5th grade and 418 from the 8th grade. This is a sharp increase compared to last year’s 405 students who cleared the exams.

Speaking to the media, Muhammad Umar’s father, Muhammad Saleem, shared the challenges their family has faced. “My son has been topping his class in mathematics and science since the beginning. He loves these subjects and has been very focused,” said Saleem. He added that Umar had also topped the 5th class scholarship exam.

Saleem narrated the difficulties faced by the family during the COVID pandemic. “Before COVID, my two children studied at DY Patil School in Nerul, Navi Mumbai. However, due to the loss of income during the pandemic, I could not pay their school fees, and the school stopped their studies. The school even refused to give their transfer certificates because of unpaid fees,” he explained.

With limited options, Saleem moved his family to Govindi in 2021 and struggled to find admission for his children. “It was not easy, but with persistence, I managed to get them admitted to a school here,” he said. Despite the hardships, Saleem is proud of his children’s resilience and achievements. “They are intelligent, and their performance at the new school has been excellent,” he remarked.

When asked about his son’s ambitions, Saleem said, “Umar wants to become a scientist. He has been saying this since the first grade, and with the way he is studying, I believe he will achieve it.”

The school’s principal and staff have expressed great pride in Muhammad Umar’s success. Principal Menal Chaudhary, along with teachers Uday, Ravi, Balu, Prateek, Nitin, and Smithia Madam, congratulated Umar and praised his dedication and hard work. “His success is a source of pride for the entire school,” they said.

This story highlights not only the academic excellence of Indian Muslim students in Mumbai’s government schools but also the obstacles faced by economically weaker families. It also reflects the support provided by committed teachers and principals who encourage students to reach their full potential.

Muhammad Umar Sheikh’s story serves as an inspiration for many young students facing financial hardships, demonstrating that determination and support can lead to success. His achievement, along with the rise in the number of successful students from BMC schools, reflects a positive change in the educational opportunities for Indian Muslim children, who often face social and economic challenges.

In a city known for its diversity, such stories emphasise the need to acknowledge and support the talents and ambitions of minority communities. This achievement sends a message to all that education is the key to overcoming barriers and achieving dreams, regardless of one’s background.

source: http://www.clarionindia.net / Clarion India / Home> Indian Muslims / by Clarion India / July 14th, 2025

Hussain Mansuri: An ambassador of humanity

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Mumbai, MAHARASHTRA :

Hussain Mansuri

After a difficult childhood and early careers in aviation and the hotel industry, Hussain Mansuri found his true calling—serving humanity. Today, he stands as a prominent social media influencer and a beacon of hope for many in need.

Widely recognized for his philanthropic efforts, especially in supporting children battling cancer, Mansuri’s heartfelt videos have touched millions on Instagram. “Main sirf insaniyat ka farz ada kar raha hoon,” he says emotionally. “I am only fulfilling the duty of humanity.”

Mansuri’s life journey is a testament to resilience. He completed his schooling at Cardinal Gracious High School in Mumbai and later graduated from Rizvi College. Even as a child, he had a deep passion for photography and storytelling. However, financial struggles meant he had to work while still in primary school.

Hussain Mansuri with flower sellers

“I remember those days when I wore second-hand clothes just to get by,” he recalls. “But I focused on my education and eventually landed a job with Jet Airways.”

To support his family, Hussain also worked as a waiter and took on various odd jobs. During this time, he developed a profound sense of compassion and a desire to help those less fortunate.

“I saw people chasing wealth endlessly, yet they lacked true satisfaction,” he says. “And very few were willing to help strangers without expecting anything in return.”

Hussain lives by the principle: “Tu bas dua kama, phir tujhse amir koi nahi”—Just earn blessings, and then no one is richer than you. Guided by this philosophy, he began helping those in need—even when his means were limited.

Hussain Mansuri with a child

During the COVID-19 pandemic, when many were left without food or medical support, Hussain stepped up. He distributed essentials to the homeless, sick, and starving.

He continues to offer financial aid to cancer patients, particularly at Tata Memorial Hospital, supports underprivileged children’s education, and provides food, clothing, and care to the elderly, regardless of caste, religion, or background.

It is this unwavering dedication that has earned him the title, Ambassador of Humanity.

Though his actions are modest in scale, their impact is profound. His videos not only provide immediate relief to those in need but also inspire millions to develop empathy and a sense of social responsibility.

Hussain Mansuri distributing food packets

In one powerful video, Hussain is seen picking up discarded images of Hindu deities from the roadside and respectfully immersing them in water. This simple act of communal respect resonated deeply with viewers across faiths, earning widespread admiration and sending a message of unity at a time when it’s most needed.

With a growing community of over 12.3 million followers on Instagram, Hussain’s digital presence serves as a platform for social change. “When I started, I used to share some photos and personal stories,” he says. “People started connecting with them. Over the years, that small start has grown into something beautiful—like a second family.”

source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> The Changemakers, Maharashtra / by Fazal Pathan / July 16th, 2025

Portrait of a journalist as a national icon

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Mumbai, MAHARASHTRA :

Inquilab and Mid-Day founder Abdul Hamid Ansari is an inspiration not just for journalists but millions of youngsters … A special report by Siraj Ali Quadri.

Indian journalist and Muslim nationalist Abdul Hamid Ansari founded Inquilab, an Urdu daily in Mumbai in l937. The newspaper soon became a landmark in Urdu journalism which caught the attention of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan. But when Jinnah asked Ansari to come to Karachi to publish the newspaper in the new country, Ansari said that he would prefer to live in India like the many million Muslims who would rather stay in the country than join Jinnah. Those who joined Jinnah undoubtedly left everything behind. Some flourished while others got established. But that’s another story, which has never ended since l947.

Today’s story is about the veteran journalist, publisher and businessman Khalid A.H. Ansari, son of Abdul Hameed. After passing out from St. Xavier’s in Mumbai, Khalid did his master’s at Stanford University in the US.

Khalid returned to Mumbai to establish Sportsweek, a weekly sports magazine, which became a huge success soon after its launch. The magazine’s immediate success can be attributed to the fact that its founder was himself an excellent sportsman and did a great job with the magazine, in addition to his father’s paper Inquilab.

Meanwhile, the idea came to launch India’s first daily tabloid, Mid-Day, which he modelled in many ways after the English tabloids from Fleet Street. During the planning phase of their new venture, he spent hours discussing it with staff and mulled over its format to ensure success, especially since there were already two eveningers in Mumbai, one by The Times of India and the other by the Indian Express. Both suffered from a lack of innovation to attract large numbers of readers. So when Mid-Day appeared with a new face and content, the two old ones just collapsed. Although the ToI eveninger protested the pace of time for a while, it eventually perished as it had already become obsolete.

Mid-Day became a resounding success, with many comparing it to the British Daily Mirror and Daily Mail. However, being an Indian tabloid, it was much quieter and a whole lot more civilized, without the British fondness for nudity and sex, and nonsensical stories of stupidity.

Khalid was helped by his wife, Rukaya. She was very active on the administrative side and contributed to the editorial content and layout, which helped the paper sustain itself in the demanding market of Mumbai. She knew what was going on in the office and in the newspaper that was fast becoming India’s flagship eveninger.

Meanwhile, Khalid accepted an offer to become editor-in-chief of the Dubai-based Khaleej Times, and handed over the paper to his son, Tariq. After a few years in Dubai, Khalid returned to Mumbai and launched Mid-Day in Bangalore and Delhi and a regional Gujarati version for millions of Gujaratis in the country.

He has been involved in various programmes with the Indian government during conferences in Delhi and New York, launching and editing newspapers, and was awarded the Padma Shri in 2001 while continuing to play and write about his old passion, cricket.

Writing about his eveninger, Khalid says, “Mid-Day is a light-hearted, easy-to-read, entertaining, and ‘naughty’ paper that now has a new purpose which is to make work fun. Gives young professionals an entertaining newsbreak. The focus is on young, urban, mobile professionals across India and the company is leaving no stone unturned to engage with them. Today’s workplace’s fast-paced work style and crazy deadlines are full of stress and pressure. Mid-Day as a brand believes in spreading the message of reducing stress and making work fun.”

“What’s on, a host of addictive, fun sections like Hit List Crosswords, Horoscopes, and Fun at Work ensure that the newspaper remains a welcome diversion for young professionals,” he adds.

Khalid’s Sportsweek later was shut down with the television boom making it hard to garner advertisements and interest. Khalid has also published his memoir (It’s A Wonderful World) and continues to inspire a stream of journalists apart from various generations to keep the boat afloat and touch new heights.

 (The Author is Journalist & associated with Dainik Bhaskar)

source: http://www.asianlite.com / Asian Lite / Home / by Siraj Ali Quadri / October 10th, 2022

Tailor’s Son Kashif Becomes First Muslim CA in Maharashtra’s Dhule

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Dhule, MAHARASHTRA :

Coping with financial issues, Muhammad Kashif Ghulam Rabbani aced the tough CA exam in his first attempt, becoming an inspiration for many youths in Dhule and beyond

Dhule :

A young man from a humble background has brought pride to his city and community by becoming the first Muslim Chartered Accountant (CA) in the Maharashtra city of Dhule. Muhammad Kashif Ghulam Rabbani, son of a tailor, has successfully passed the final CA examination, considered one of the toughest professional exams in the country.

Kashif’s journey to success was not easy. Coming from a financially struggling family, his father, Ghulam Rabbani, worked tirelessly as a tailor to ensure that his son’s education continued uninterrupted.

“Despite the tough circumstances, Kashif’s father did not let poverty stop his son from chasing his dreams,” said Advocate Sheikh Zubair. “He supported Kashif in every way, and today the result is in front of us.”

Kashif began his education at Muhammadiya Boys Urdu School in Dhule. He completed his 12th Science at SSVPS College and then studied BCom for a year at Jay Hind College. But later, he left traditional studies and shifted his focus entirely to preparing for the CA exam.

Under the guidance of CA Ijaz Sir at Anam & Associates in Pune, Kashif started his onward journey. He did his internship at the ‘Association of Indian Chartered Accountant Firm’ and later studied for the final exam at the Asim Khan Study Centre in Dhule.

Speaking to the media, Kashif shared, “Most children choose fields like engineering, teaching, or law. But when I looked around in our society, I saw a lack of chartered accountants. I decided to step into this field to fill that gap.”

He added, “I worked hard and stayed focused. I had only one goal—to become a CA. I’m happy I passed in my first attempt.”

Kashif’s achievement is not only a personal victory but also a proud moment for the entire city. His success has been widely celebrated by community leaders and educators, who see it as a message of hope for many underprivileged students.

“This is not just a personal success story,” said Advocate Zubair. “It is a message to all youth—especially those who give up studies due to financial problems—that with strong willpower, nothing is impossible.”

Muhammad Kashif’s success has brought honour to his family, school, and city. He now stands as a role model for others who want to achieve big dreams.

With this achievement, Kashif has proved that passion, hard work, and determination can break all barriers.

source: http://www.clarionindia.net / Clarion India / Home> Editor’s Pick> India> Indian Muslim / by Team Clarion / July 10th, 2025

Unsung Hero: Pav-seller Nazim Sheikh saves lives on Mumbai shores

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Mumbai, MAHARASHTRA :

Mohammed Nazim Sheikh

Mohammed Nazim Sheikh, 51, is a silent saviour of lives on the Mumbai shores. After selling pav (Mumbai bread) at the Colaba, from early monring till noon, the 51-year-old Mumbaikar, leaves for the beach at the Gateway of India to keep an eye on the sea lovers who might be unknowingly putting their lives at risk.

Like a silent sentinel, he has been guarding the dangerous beach at the Gateway of India for 35 years and has saved more than 300 persons so far.

Nazim says,”They (tourists) come closer to the sea to feel the splash. Once they slip, the tide pulls them into the water,” he says. “If somebody doesn’t rush for their help, they’re gone.”

Nazim started rescuing drowning people at the age of just 16. With the skills of a trained lifeguard and a sense of mission, he pulls people out of the water who are unaware of the dangers and are carelessly near death.

“They come just to feel the splash or to see the view, but one slip is enough, and the wave takes them away. If immediate action is not taken, it is not possible to save them,” he says.

Nazim says he has also recovered about 25 to 30 bodies so far—mostly men. He has witnessed many accidents during festivals.

Nazim’s most memorable rescue operation was in 1996 when he swam across during high tide. For this feat, he was awarded the title of ‘Best Swimmer’. In recent years, especially during the 2022 Ganpati immersion, he saved two people from drowning.

According to hawkers who set up shop around the Gateway of India, Nazim is always the first to arrive. Nowadays, due to social media, tourists often start making videos by crossing the safety barrier, which proves to be dangerous. In such a situation, when someone falls into the sea, the first name that comes to everyone’s mind is Nazim – even before the police or the fire brigade.

A 60-year-old woman who runs a stall in front of the Taj Hotel says: “I have been seeing Nazim for years. He has saved countless lives. Everyone working at the gateway knows that he is the one to call immediately in an emergency.”

A local photographer says, “Earlier they used to patrol right in front of the gateway, but now that area is closed for security reasons. Nowadays they are seen in front of the Taj Hotel where people come to enjoy the ocean waves.”

Another 51-year-old cameraman says: “Everyone working at the gateway knows the moderator and knows when to contact him. The best thing is that whether you call him or not, he arrives on his own.”

However, despite his selfless service Nazim has not received any official government recognition or honor till now. The Nazim said that he has written letters to the Prime Minister and the Chief Minister (Devendra Fadnavis), but no action has been taken.

“Still waiting, nothing has happened,” he shrugs. Many of Nazim’s awards and newspaper clippings have also been lost during the renovation of his house. He finishes selling pav by noon, but as soon as the tide comes in, he becomes alert.

“When someone is in trouble, be it locals or the police, they call me. I am not afraid of the sea. Allah has given me this strength, I just do my job,” he says humbly. Nazim was also part of the rescue team during the 2003 Gateway bombing and helped recover bodies from there.

Today, while beach safety has improved and suicides have declined, Nazim still stands as a silent sentinel on Mumbai’s beaches. “If anything happens, I’m ready,” he says resolutely.

Colaba Senior Police Inspector Pramod Bhaute said, “Nazim works as a lifeguard for us. He is always active and alert. His help has proven invaluable in many cases. He lives in the Jetty area. Mumbai Police says it’s grateful to him for him selfless mission in saving lives.

source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Story / by Onika Maheshwari, Mumbai / July 13th, 2025

Adiba Anam becomes Maharashtra’s first Muslim woman IAS officer, daughter of an auto-rickshaw driver

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Yavatmal Town, MAHARASHTRA :

Adiba Aman in the centre.

New Delhi :

 The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) declared the results of the 2024 Civil Services Examination on April 22, with 1009 candidates clearing one of India’s most competitive exams. Among them, Adiba Anam has made history by becoming the first Muslim woman from Maharashtra to be selected for the Indian Administrative Service (IAS).

Hailing from Kalam Chowk in Yavatmal, a small town in eastern Maharashtra, Anam secured an all-India rank of 142. Her achievement has been widely hailed as a breakthrough for both women and minorities in the state. Her father, Ashfaq Ahmed, earns a living by driving an auto-rickshaw.

Raised in modest circumstances, Anam completed her schooling in Urdu medium from a local Zilla Parishad school. Despite limited resources, she consistently excelled academically—scoring 94% in her Urdu board exams and 92% in 12th grade with a science stream.

Speaking to India Tomorrow, Anam recounted her journey through UPSC. Her first attempt in 2021 ended at the preliminary stage. Undeterred, she progressed to the mains in her second attempt, and finally, in her fourth attempt, clinched success with a rank likely to earn her an IAS cadre.

“My parents never asked me to give up on my education. There were people who suggested I take up a small job to ease our financial burden, but my parents never let those voices affect me,” she said.

Anam noted the social barriers women often face in her community. “Yes, girls do face restrictions. But these challenges only overpower us if we allow ourselves to feel weak. Once we build our mental strength, those obstacles lose their power,” she said. Her message to young women: “Stay mentally strong. Chase your dreams with courage and determination.”

Initially aspiring to become a doctor, Anam couldn’t clear the NEET exam. It was then that her uncle, Nizamuddin Sheikh—a local NGO secretary in Yavatmal—encouraged her to consider civil services as a way to serve the public.

Adiba Anam draws inspiration from the poetry of Allama Iqbal. Two couplets, in particular, fuel her determination:

“Khudi ko kar buland itna ke har taqdeer se pehle, Khuda bande se khud pooche, bata teri raza kya hai, ” meaning, “Elevate your selfhood to such heights that even destiny, before shaping your fate, is compelled to ask you: ‘Tell me, what is it that you desire?’”

This powerful verse emphasizes self-empowerment, urging individuals to strengthen their character and willpower to such an extent that even fate bows before their determination.

“Amal se zindagi banti hai jannat bhi jahannam bhi, Yeh khaaki apni fitrat mein na noori hai na naari hai.” This translates in English as “Through actions, life can become either a paradise or a hell. This being (the human) made of dust is by nature neither angelic nor demonic.”

The couplet underscores the idea that our actions determine the quality and direction of our lives. Human beings are not inherently good (like angels) or evil (like demons); it is their actions (amal) that shape their destiny and define their identity.

Explaining the two couplets, she said, “These lines remind me of the power of action. If you just sit still, nothing will change. But if you act, if you try to change your situation, something will definitely happen,” she said.

Anam’s journey—from a small-town Urdu-medium student to a future IAS officer—stands as a powerful story of resilience, ambition, and the transformative potential of education.

Here is the list of 26 Muslim candidates who cleared the UPSC Civil Services Examination this year, with their ranks written in front of their names.

•             Iram Chaudhary – Rank 40

•             Farkhanda Quraishi – Rank 67

•             Mohammad Muneeb Bhatt – Rank 131

•             Adiba Anam Ashfaq Ahmed – Rank 142

•             Wasim ur Rehman – Rank 281

•             Md. Nayab Anjum – Rank 292

•             Mohammad Haris Mir – Rank 314

•             Mohammad Shaukat Azeem – Rank 345

•             Alifa Khan – Rank 417

•             Nadia Abdul Rashid – Rank 429

•             Najma Salam – Rank 442

•             Shakeel Ahmed – Rank 506

•             Shah Mohammad Imran Mohammad Irfan – Rank 553

•             Mohammad Aftab Alam – Rank 560

•             Mohsina Bano – Rank 585

•             Syed Mohammad Arif Moin – Rank 594

•             Ghulam Haider – Rank 633

•             Hasan Khan – Rank 643

•             Ghanchi Gajala Mohammad Hanif – Rank 660

•             Mohammad Salah T.A. – Rank 711

•             Sadaf Malik – Rank 742

•             Yasir Ahmed Bhatti – Rank 768

•             Javed Mev – Rank 815

•             Nazeer Ahmed Bijran – Rank 847

•             Arshad Aziz Quresh – Rank 993

•             Iqbal Ahmed – Rank 998

source: http://www.indiatomorrow.net / India Tomorrow / Home> Education / by Mohammad Akram / April 2025

Taxi Driver’s Daughter Iqra Wins Gold Medal in Maharashtra Medical Exams

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Nashik, MAHARASHTRA :

A Muslim girl from Nashik tops the university in audiology and speech therapy, thanks to hard work, parental support and help from MESCO Educational Trust

New Delhi / Mumbai :

A young Muslim girl from a low-income family in Nashi has brought pride to her community by topping her university exams. Ansari Iqra Marzban, daughter of a taxi driver, secured the highest marks in the audiology and speech therapy course at the Maharashtra University of Health Sciences (MUHS). She was awarded the gold medal for her outstanding performance.

“I had never imagined I would be the university topper. It’s only because of my parents’ duas (prayers) and the help I received that I reached here,” Iqra told Clarion India over the phone.

Iqra comes from a simple home where her father, Marzban Ansari, drives a taxi to support the family. Despite financial struggles, Iqra worked hard and refused to give up on her dream of becoming a medical professional.

She completed her SSC from Anjuman Islam Begum Sharifa Kalsekar Girls English High School and her HSC from Peace Science College in Dadar. Though she failed to clear the NET entrance exam on her first try, she did not lose hope. On her second attempt, she scored 486 marks and gained admission to Topiwala National Medical College (Nair Hospital) in Mumbai.

Her father was overcome with emotion when he learned of her success.

“I had tears in my eyes when I heard she topped the university. We couldn’t afford the course, but Iqra insisted on continuing her education. She’s our pride,” he said.

Iqra’s achievement also shows the silent but strong role of Muslim organisations that help students in need. After getting admission, Iqra faced a major problem — a lack of funds for her studies. That is when MESCO Educational Trust came forward and paid for all her education expenses.

“I had lost hope, but when MESCO came forward, it felt like Allah had opened a door for me,” Iqra said with emotion.

A MESCO official said, “Iqra is one of hundreds of students we help every year. Her achievement proves that with a little help, our children can do wonders.”

Iqra scored 950 out of 1,200 marks in her first and second semester exams — the highest in the state. She received the gold medal and praise from her teachers and classmates alike.

Dr Shaikh Aamir, a faculty member at Nair Hospital, said, “Iqra is a dedicated and humble student. Despite all odds, she kept performing well in class and in exams. We’re proud to have her.”

Iqra’s story is important at a time when Muslims often face discrimination or are shown negatively. Her success proves that Muslim girls can do well when they get the right support.

Iqra had a message for other girls facing struggles: “Don’t give up. Work hard, pray regularly, and look for help from the right places. Allah will make a way.”

She also said more awareness is needed about support systems in the Muslim community. “Many people don’t even know that groups like MESCO are ready to help. Our people should come forward and ask for help when needed,” she added.

Prof Azra Fatima, a social activist and educationist, praised Iqra’s success. “Iqra’s victory is a strong reply to those who say Muslim girls are not interested in education. It’s not interest that’s lacking, it’s opportunity.”

Now, Iqra plans to continue studying and work in speech therapy to help children with speech problems. But for many, her biggest achievement is the inspiration she gives to other Muslim girls.

“We didn’t have money, but we had faith. And today that faith has brought us respect,” said her father.

Iqra’s gold medal is more than a personal victory. It is proof of what Muslim youth can achieve with faith, family support, and community help.

source: http://www.clarionindia.net / Clarion India / Home> Editor’s Pick> India> Indian Muslims / by Mohammad Bin Ismail / June 19th, 2025