Urdu journalist Zameer Ahmed Khan Jaleel Ahmed Khan has received the Maharashtra Rajya Urdu Sahitya Academy’s Exemplary Journalism Award 2020 for his dedicated contribution to Urdu journalism. He described the award as recognition of all sincere individuals serving society through honest and conscious reporting.
Khan, known for his association with Roznama Inquilab, Munsif TV, and MCN Urdu News, expressed gratitude to his teachers, colleagues, and readers. He said their encouragement and prayers strengthened his resolve to pursue truth and integrity in journalism.
Speaking about his professional journey, Khan said his goal has always been to guide journalism in a positive and dignified direction. He emphasized that journalism should be rooted in honesty and social awareness to enlighten the community with knowledge and justice.
He thanked Allah for the success and prayed for continued sincerity and dedication in serving society through the power of the pen. Khan also urged his peers to maintain faith and commitment to the principles of truth and responsibility in media work.
The award highlights the importance of Urdu journalism in promoting social consciousness and ethical reporting, and serves as inspiration for young journalists to pursue their work with humility and integrity.
source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Pride of the Nation> Awards> Latest News / by Radiance News Bureau / October 10th, 2025
Awaz-The Voice, through its ‘The Changemakers’ series, has introduced readers to inspiring figures from Uttar Pradesh, Assam, and Jammu & Kashmir.
Starting July 6, we will feature ten remarkable changemakers from Maharashtra.
These individuals not only embody the state’s vibrant and progressive legacy but are also shaping a future that is tolerant, equitable, harmonious, and inclusive.
Working quietly away from the limelight, their impactful contributions are being brought to the public through Awaz-The Voice. Here’s a glimpse into their inspiring journeys.
Dr. Farah Anwar Husain Shaikh
Dr. Farah Anwar Husain Shaikh leads the Mis Farah Charitable Foundation in Pune’s Dapodi, delivering health, education, and disaster relief to communities. Her bold advocacy for Muslim women’s right to pray in mosques challenges deep-rooted traditions, earning her a doctorate in social work and women’s empowerment. Her story is that of the struggle for equality, Farah’s tireless efforts are transforming lives and reshaping Pune’s social landscape, making her a beacon of grassroots change.
Paigambar Shaikh
Rationalist Paigambar Shaikh is redefining tradition with his “Economic Qurbani” initiative from Pune, transforming the Eid al-Adha sacrifice into a force for community growth. By channeling resources into education, microfinance, and health camps, he blends faith with practicality. He is inspired by the Satyashodhak movement. His innovative approach fosters sustainable development and communal harmony in Maharashtra’s far-flung areas, marking him as a visionary changemaker.
Marziya Shanu Pathan
Marziya Shanu Pathan, 24, is an activist. From leading a march for Malala Yusufzai at age 12 to organizing the vibrant Mumbra-Kausa Children’s Festival, she champions women and youth in her township. Her blend of fiery activism and community initiatives is uplifting Mumbra, proving her dedication to a brighter, more inclusive future.
Hazrat Ali Sonikar and Munir Shikalkar
In Sangli’s agricultural heartland, Hazrat Ali Sonikar and Munir Shikalkar are empowering the Muslim community through grassroots activism. Hazrat rallies youth with awareness campaigns and workshops, while Munir bridges gaps with local authorities to secure resources. Their collaborative manifesto, amplifying education and employment, is reshaping the future of the community, showcasing the power of local action.
Sakib Gore
In Badlapur, Maharashtra, Sakib Gore is lighting up lives through his ‘Vision Friend Sakib Gore’ initiative, driven by his grandmother’s struggle with blindness. With a belief that glasses are more than a fashion statement—they’re a lifeline to sight—he’s brought eye exams to 2.6 million people, distributed 1.7 million free spectacles, and facilitated 63,000 free cataract surgeries. His ‘Devabhau’ glasses, priced at just 33 rupees, earned him global acclaim and the ‘System Leader Award’ at a World Summit in Kathmandu. Reinvesting every profit into free glasses for the poor, Sakib’s mission is simple but profound: to lift the visually impaired out of darkness, one pair of eyes at a time.
Sarfaraz Ahamad
Solapur’s Sarfaraz Ahamad, a 41-year-old historian, brings Maharashtra’s Deccan heritage to life through his eight books. His books include the acclaimed Hyder Ali, Tipu Sultan, and The Sultanate-e-Khudadaad. As a founder member of the Ghaziuddin Research Center which promotes objective historical research. His writings in Marathi, Hindi, Urdu, and English captivate readers. Sarfaraz’s work is reviving cultural pride and inspiring a new generation of scholars.
Sabah Khan
Sabah Khan’s NGO Parcham based in Mumbara, empowers girls through football, challenging norms and building confidence among them. Khan, 50, fosters gender equality and religious harmony, securing a dedicated football field and launching the Savitri-Fatima Foundation to support education and economic growth. Sabah’s transformative work offers Mumbra’s youth a vibrant path to self-discovery.
Afroz Shah
Mumbai’s Afroz Shah, a 42-year-old lawyer, turned Versova Beach into the site of the world’s largest clean-up, removing 20 million kilograms of trash. Afroz Shah Foundation now tackles rivers and waste culture, earning him the UN’s ‘Champion of the Earth’ title. From slums to schools, his “dates with the ocean” inspire thousands, proving one man’s grit can spark a movement.
Dr. Sabiha Inamdar
In Nashik, 43-year-old Dr. Sabiha Inamdar, an intimacy and relationship coach, is breaking taboos around sexual wellness. She creates safe spaces for women and couples to discuss intimacy and emotions openly. What makes Dr. Sabiha’s work important is her commitment to normalizing healthy conversations around sex, emotions, and interpersonal connection—especially for women. Her workshops shift mindsets, fostering healthier relationships and emotional well-being across Maharashtra.
Hussain Mansuri
Mumbai’s Hussain Mansuri, a 40-year-old philanthropist with 7.8 million Instagram followers, spreads compassion across the city’s streets. From feeding street kids to caring for stray animals, his quiet acts of kindness, rooted in Islamic values, touch countless lives. Whether delivering meals near Tata Hospital or comforting the grieving,
Hussain’s selfless mission ripples far beyond Mumbai.
source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> The Changemakers / posted by Aasha Khosa, ATV / July 05th, 2025
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
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
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
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
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
Mumbai student overcomes cramped living conditions to achieve national success in the prestigious entrance exam.
Mumbai:
Ayan Sheikh, a 20-year-old student from a modest 96-square-foot house in Byculla, has achieved an extraordinary feat by securing the 12th rank in the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) in his first attempt. Ayan, currently in his third year of a computer science degree, hopes to follow in his elder brother’s footsteps and secure admission to IIT Bombay for his master’s degree.
Living in a cramped chawl in Mustafa Bazaar’s Haji Alana with his parents and elder brother, Ayan’s journey to success is a testament to determination and hard work. With limited space at home, Ayan and his brother Aman, who previously cracked the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) and graduated from IIT Bombay, often studied on a makeshift platform built in their small house.
“My success is the result of my parents’ prayers and their constant hard work,” Ayan told Clarion India. “Even with a limited income, my father tried his best to give both of us brothers a better and higher education. Despite the lack of space, we made the most of what we had. This platform has been our study spot for years, and it holds a special place in our hearts.”
Ayan scored an impressive 89.04 percent marks in the exam, which is considered one of the toughest national-level entrance tests for postgraduate engineering courses. Out of 1.8 lakh candidates who appeared for the exam, Ayan’s 12th rank is a remarkable achievement.
His father, Akhtar Sheikh, a senior fitter at BEST’s Mumbai Central Depot, expressed his joy and pride. “Ayan’s result is like the blessings of Ramadan for us,” he said. “One lakh 80 thousand students appeared for the GATE exam, and Ayan secured the 12th position. This is a huge achievement for our family.”
Ayan’s academic journey has been marked by consistent excellence. He scored 90% in his SSC exams from Enza English High School in Byculla and 78% in his HSC exams from Peace College in Dadar. He is currently pursuing a computer science degree at DJ Sanghvi College in Vile Parle and will complete his four-year course next year.
Ayan’s elder brother, Aman Sheikh, is an inspiration for the family. Aman secured 90% in SSC and 89% in HSC before cracking the JEE exam with a rank of 1,023 out of 1.5 lakh candidates. He went on to complete his B.Tech and M.Tech in electrical engineering from IIT Bombay and now works for an American company in Bengaluru with an annual package of Rs 12 lakh.
“I hope to get admission to IIT Bombay, just like my brother,” Ayan said. “This platform in our house has been our study corner for years. Even today, I sit here and study for three to four hours daily. It’s a part of our lives.”
Ayan’s story is a shining example of how perseverance and family support can overcome even the most challenging circumstances. As he prepares to take the next step in his academic journey, his family and community are filled with pride and hope for his future.
source: http://www.clarionindia.net / Clarion India / Home> India> Indian Muslim / by Team Clarion India / March 24th, 2025
He can afford to hand out fistfuls of Liv.52 to anyone feeling liverish, although he would prefer to sell the pill. As Meraj Manal says, one Liv.52 is bought every second somewhere in the world. The only ayurveda pill among the 12 bestselling medications in India, Liv.52 has powered its manufacturer The Himalaya Drug Co into the ranks of Big Pharma in India.
But ask Manal to sell a slice of his privately-held company and you are shown the door. Many consumer care companies have tried to acquire a stake in Bangalore-based Himalaya. Dealmakers know it is not up for sale, but they do not give up hope or stop making bids.
Why should they? Himalaya, started by Manal’s father, the late M. Manal, in 1930 to make herbal tablets in the Himalayan town of Dehradun, is today an established brand in over 70 countries with about 160 products – 66 in pharma, 63 in personal care, nine in baby care and 22 in animal care.
After India, its three top markets are West Asia, Russia and the CIS, and South East Asia. In 1999, Himalaya took its personal care range into global markets, piggybacking the equity of its pharma products.
Figures are not available, but Manal says turnover has crossed Rs 1,000 crore on the back of Liv.52, some similar pills and the personal care products. “Liv.52 is one of the biggest successes of my father,” says Manal, Chairman of Himalaya Global Holdings, which owns the nine operating subsidiaries in different regions.
___________________________
I get 3 or 4 offers a year: Meraj Manal
Meraj Manal, 62, has always let his business heads to do the talking. In a rare interview with BT’s K.R. Balasubramanyam, he explains why he does not want outside investments, and why values count more than profits. Edited excerpts
How did your father get into the herbal medicine business? My father spent his lifetime gathering knowledge about traditional household remedies, standardising them, testing them for safety and efficacy and demonstrating them to doctors. He was the first who thought of producing herbal medicines in tablet form so doctors can prescribe them… Whenever he heard about a remedy, he would jot it down on a plain card to work on them later. We have tens of thousands of such cards stored in boxes. Our toothpaste is a product from one such card scribbled 40 years ago.
Why are you still not a public company? I don’t want a rupee from anyone other than the bank, because it is difficult to explain what we do to a shareholder. Can I accept outside investments and allow these cards (pointing to the stacks of his father’s cards) to disappear? Our whole philosophy, our value system is so different, how do I explain this to investors? All my children – four daughters and three sons – think so.
Do you get offers? I receive three or four offers a year. Multinationals have spoken to me and one of them even said we are the nugget of the herbal industry. If I accept these offers and put that money in a bank, I would no doubt get millions every month… What will I do with that money? I don’t want the liability of someone else’s money with me, big or small. Once you accept outside investment, they will start advising us on things like cutting the number of curries in the lunch at our canteen… or the staff transport. They will ask us why you are doing this and that. There is no “why” here. This is how it is. Since we are closely held, I have the luxury to say profits are not everything.
How much of your revenues goes into R&D? In this company, there is no limit on expenses on R&D. That is the only division without a budget. These (pointing to the cards) have to be converted into products.
How are you professionalising the company? As you grow, you need people who know more than you do. You cannot reach the next step unless you professionalise…. We will reserve the holding company for family members and the subsidiaries will have only professionals. We have separated ownership from management. Family members will be responsible for nurturing our value system. I don’t want family members on the business side. If they have energy, they are free to go out and pursue their interests.
So a family member becomes part of the holding company by default? Admission is not by default. They must have something to contribute….My son heads the US business, and not because he is my son, but because he is a professional who knows the US market the best. He is doing remarkably well.
What about this Deputy Chairman’s post? I created the post two years ago and appointed Ravi Prasad for a very special reason. To send a strong message that the operational head does not have to be a Manal. People were astonished and are happy about the decision. Like any CEO of any other region, my son too reports to Ravi. (Ravi Prasad was elevated as Executive Chairman in October. He leads the global management team.)
Are you satisfied with your growth? The growth we have had is more than satisfactory. If I want more than that, then we are greedy. We crossed Rs 1,000 crore in revenues last year. I don’t know much about finances. Professionals handle that. I just sign on the papers. …When I joined the business in 1965, the revenues were Rs 40 lakh…. The way we are growing in North and South America tells me that 20 years from now, they could possibly be our largest markets by volume.
Where is Himalaya headed? We will never move from our core competence. I am not for diversifying. I am not a person who can do other things. Opportunities for growth are unlimited and there is no real need to diversify. Our global operations have taught us many things. The country does not matter. As long as there are homes with people, we will go there.
_______________________________
Research backbone Although Himalaya’s reliance on Liv.52 has come down after both its new as well as old pharma products picked up steam in the market, and it launched personal care products, it all began with this blockbuster, whose recipe was among the many jotted down by Manal’s father on a card.
(Himalaya’s future lies in thousands of similar cards with notes that are stacked in boxes in Manal’s room.) The 52nd formula was a hit. Manal senior’s aim had been to make herbal remedies available in tablet form, scientifically tested for efficacy, identified by name and prescribed by doctors. The passion for research continues.
Ravi Prasad
Himalaya has raised its research, development and manufacturing standards so that its products clear regulatory hurdles abroad. “Apart from ayurvedic institutions, we also do clinical trials in leading allopathic institutions both in India and abroad,” says Ravi Prasad, Executive Chairman of Himalaya Drug Company, who leads the team of professionals worldwide.
“The regulatory picture is not clear in many countries and in some countries our standards have been recognised as the benchmark,” he says. Himalaya’s R&D facility, he says, is one of the biggest for an ayurveda manufacturer, with about 120 multidisciplinary scientists. As Manal proudly declares, R&D is the “backbone” of the company.
Himalaya knows the key to growth lies in its ability to create more patents. The US Patent and Trademark Office has granted it patents for its sunscreen, under-eye cream, laxative, sedative, immunestimulant, anti-acne range and hairloss cream, and 76 applications are pending. It has just released in the US markets a new type of tablet in which the binders are also derived from herbs. “No company has done this before, and we have filed for a process patent,” says Ravi Prasad. Until the 1990s, Himalaya’s portfolio had only pharma remedies. It entered the equally lucrative consumer care market with some 20 products under the Ayurvedic Concepts range in 2001. Two years later, it created the umbrella brand Himalaya Herbal Healthcare. It also began opening exclusive outlets: there are 130 shops in India and 25 in Singapore, Malaysia, South Africa and the Cayman Islands.
Dream run According to Ravi Prasad, Himalaya’s personal care products are growing much faster globally than pharma products, because pharma faces tough regulations in some countries. As of now, Himalaya gets 58 per cent of its revenues from pharma products, but that seems set to change. Saket Gore, Business Head of the consumer products division, says: “Today, we are the market leaders in face washes in the UAE, India and Malaysia.”
According to The Nielsen Co figures for April-June 2010, Himalaya face washes had a 17.8 per cent market share in India, less than two percentage points behind multinationals Hindustan Unilever Ltd and L’Oreal. Himalaya’s individual products also face competition from firms that are strong in one or just a few products, such as Colgate in toothpaste and Fair & Lovely in face masks. Doctors have been Himalaya’s biggest brand ambassadors in pharmaceuticals.
Philipe Haydon, President & CEO for pharmaceuticals, says Himalaya is in touch with about 3.75 lakh doctors and reaches 94 per cent of pharma retailers. “We are the modern face of ayurveda in India and our medical representatives promote products with scientific detailing,” says Haydon, who is also the CEO of the Asia Pacific region. In ayurveda retail, Himalaya competes with the likes of Dabur, Charak, and Baidyanath
Source: Indian Pharmaceutical Market rankings based on Org SSA report / Aug 2010
__________________________
Internationally, consumer care and pharma contribute equally to revenues. “In 20 years from now, North and South America could possibly be our largest markets by volume. They are very big on herbal medicine,” says Manal. These markets are headed by his son Nabeel, 36.
The Prognosis Industry observers believe that while Himalaya has built a cult in Liv.52, it needs more such blockbusters to make up for its low-key marketing and a distribution network weaker than that of rivals such as Dabur India.
“Today, the brand Himalaya is recognised and closely associated as a natural remedy, but on the personal-care front it sends out no cues to a consumer. This is important in the FMCG category where it competes with many others,” observes Kannan Sitaram, a former chief operating officer of Dabur.
Analysts say that opening shop-in-shops and branded stores is a good strategy. “But brandbuilding investments are required so that consumers will walk into a shop only for the Himalaya display. Also, being positioned as a mass brand, it needs greater presence and investment in distribution,” says Sitaram. But the company has to figure out if its returns are justified. “After all, rentals are going up,” he says.
In pharma, Himalaya is stronger. “It has very sharply- positioned products for the eyes, liver, bones and so on. It is also present in areas that are not crowded. Besides, it spends huge sums on R&D and can compete with some of the best pharma companies in India,” says R.B. Smarta, Managing Director, Interlink Marketing Consultancy.
This also gives it an edge in global markets, where the demand for natural, ayurvedic and herbal remedies is growing. “They have very precise and extensive documentation on each of their ingredients, that can withstand the rigor of clinical trials. Their patents also stand them in good stead,” says Smarta.
By buying raw materials directly from growers, collectors and nongovernmental organisations, Himalaya keeps costs under control. Recently, it signed an agreement with the Sikkim government to prepare farmers in organic farming of herbs and sustainable collection. In September, Himalaya, along with a few others, came under fire from the Centre for Science and Environment or CSE, which claimed that Himalaya’s honey contained antibiotics beyond the stipulated standards. Ravi Prasad denies the charge. “The same batch was tested at three independent laboratories and none found any trace of antibiotics.
Our technical team will soon meet the CSE with these findings and seek its comments,” he says.
No entry Manal does not run day-to-day affairs and has professionalised the company by elevating Ravi Prasad as the executive head, so that his father’s legacy grows independent of the family. “My father’s life’s mission was to help people and we will move in his footsteps,” says Manal, who follows the modest example set by his father. (In September, when Ravi Prasad called on Manal at his apartment in Dubai, the chairman travelled with him to Himalaya’s office in the Metro and then took a bus to attend another meeting.)
Of Manal’s seven children, only Nabeel works for the company. Two daughters are married and homemakers, and the other two daughters and a son are still studying. One son works in the financial sector in the US. Manal is content with bank funding, and proud of his 40-yearold relationship with Union Bank of India. In turn, M.V. Nair, the bank’s Chairman and Managing Director, says its long relationship with Himalaya is a wonderful example of a banker- entrepreneur growth story.
Himayala’s requirement of funds depends on projects. It borrowed Rs 100 crore two years ago from the bank to make its manufacturing unit in Bangalore compliant with European and American standards.
Dealmakers and investment bankers are not put off by Manal’s “No Entry” board. Recently a personal-care multinational contacted Bangalore’s Viedea Capital Advisors, looking for a sizeable stake in Himalaya. Deepak Srinath, cofounder of Viedea, says: “The management did not entertain any conversation on the subject.”
Himalaya, Srinath says, is a dream mandate for any investment banker because it has all the ingredients that a PE or strategic investor looks for – a highly credible brand name, an impressive product portfolio, a professional management and profitability.
“Also, the promoters have a reputation for being ethical,” says Srinath. According to the India head of an American PE firm, Himalaya is an ideal target since its capex needs are not large and can be met by internal accruals and bank funding. Such companies usually give robust returns.
But Manal is focused on different things: “The scope for growth is unlimited. As long as there are homes with people, that family is our customer. We don’t recognise borders.”
With inputs by Shamni Pande
source: http://www.businesstoday.in / Business Today.in / Home> News> BT Magazine> Features / by K R Balasubramanyam / Print edition / November 28th, 2010
The sixth annual festival, “Discover,” celebrated young creative talents with enthusiasm, recognizing efforts to provide them a platform.
Organized by Vogue Theatre in collaboration with Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, the state-level Urdu drama competition and children’s festival successfully took place at Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan. The event showcased the richness of Urdu language and literature while offering young talents an opportunity to express their creativity. Schools from Mumbai, its suburbs, and other districts participated, making it a vibrant confluence of artistic expression.
Engr. Adnan Sarkhot, President of Vogue Theatre, who has been associated with Urdu theatre for over 30 years and actively works for children’s creative development, led the event to its grand success. Notable guests, including Padma Shri Dr. Zaheer Kazi, IPS Qaiser Khalid, Dr. Sheikh Abdullah, Zahid Khan, and Zakir Khan, lauded Team Vogue’s initiative, emphasizing the importance of such programs in preserving Urdu for future generations.
As in previous years, “Discover” featured various competitions, including drawing, mono-acting, Urdu and English story writing, quizzes, and drama. More than a contest, the festival served as a learning experience, building confidence and refining students’ artistic skills. The participants’ creative performances left a lasting impression on the audience.
Experts from Mumbai, Bhiwandi, and Solapur judged the competitions.
Awardees included Principal Saba Patel, who received the Innovative Principal Award, while Raja Baghban (Solapur) and Sajid Dolar (Malegaon) were honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award for their contributions to education and literature. Additionally, for their outstanding performances in Urdu drama and academic excellence in SSC exams, Zara Feroz Shaikh (Mira Road) and Aashna Wahid Ansari (Mumbra) received the Rising Star Award.
source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Arts & Culture / by Radiance News Bureau / February 08th, 2025
