Bakhtiyar Ibrahim Tangsal, a senior English journalist, social worker and an Urdu poet from Solapur district passed away on Tuesday at the age of 54. Tangsal was suffering from a kidney disease for the last four years.
Tangsal forayed into the field of Journalism in late 90s, when the number of Muslims in the field of journalism, especially the ones educated in Urdu-medium schools, was extremely low.
Tangsal broke many barriers by joining Indian Express and proved himself in a very short time and started emerging as an outstanding journalist of the district. He also worked with Navbharat Times and Financial Express.
Tangsal was also a well-known Urdu poet and in 2013, when he was suffering extensively, he started publishing Urdu Daily ‘ Solapur Milaap’. Although he was running it successfully, his health and dialysis process couldn’t allow him to run it further. He always wanted muslims youth to choose journalism as a career or at least do it as part time job or hobby. In 1996 he started free journalism classes to train 20 youths to become journalists. Unfortunately, only two students: Ziyauddin Momin and Imran Inamdar remained in touch with him till his last breath.
He was equally popular in other community people and journalist community too.Today’s strong NGO of reporters ,Solapur dist shramik Patrakar Sangh.(Working journalist association) is the result of his efforts . He was the founder president of the same.
Mahmud Nawaz, a young teacher and a social worker, said it was a huge loss for the community. “He was not only a good journalist, but a great social worker too. He promoted young talents, providing them with all kinds of assistance. His role during 2002 riots and establishing relief committee was really remarkable,” said Nawaz.
source: http://www.twocircles.net / TwoCircles.net / Home> Indian Muslim> Youth / by Imran Inamdar, TwoCircles.net / October 07th, 2016
In 2012 Salman Taj Patil cracked the UPSC exam in first attempt and became the first Muslim IPS officer from Solapur. In this candid conversation with Imran Inamdar the 31 year old talks of issues concerning the Muslim community, of the state of education among Muslims and of his own preparation for UPSC a few years ago.
How did you manage to achieve this feat?
I immersed myself into the preparation completely. There was only one aim in my mind and that was to crack UPSC. My parents provided very good emotional support and my father Mr. Jafar Taj always encouraged me saying that ‘you are too energetic and brilliant, you can easily crack UPSC, just focus on your studies and be consistent.’
Who is your role model and Why?
Being a Muslim obviously Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) is my role model. He has showed us the complete way of life. My parents are also firm pillars of support for me. They are always there to guide me.
How to study to appear for UPSC exam?
The preparation starts at school level. Reading news papers, taking part in extracurricular activities, essay writing, debate competition play a key role. One needs to be updated about all current events. Critical analysis is also very important and it improves and polishes writing skill. Practice makes a man perfect. Nobody comes to the world with all the knowledge and skills. Effort, positive atmosphere, focus and support of near and dear ones matters most.
Why are Muslim youths far behind in cracking UPSC exam?
This is very important question. In my opinion our educational infrastructure and negative mentality are fully responsible for this. It has been hammered that qualifying this exam is very difficult or nearly impossible for minority community youth. This type of thinking is damaging and we should come out from this depressing thinking. It is a very fair competition. Achievement is a result of hard work only. It’s time to change our direction of thinking. When we focus and work hard Allah also helps us.
How do you feel serving as an IPS officer?
It’s a wonderful experience. In fact working as a police officer is a great social work itself where one gets an opportunity to help the oppressed, put criminal behind bars and provide safety and security to women and children. For this service we are getting salary from the government and will surely get Ajar (reward) from Allah too.
Sachar committee reports reveal tremendous decline of Muslims in India inallwalks of life. What are the reasons behind it?
We are ourselves responsible for this backwardness. We don’t follow the path of Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) and teachings of Quran which shows the complete way of life. We don’t read, and think over it. ‘Iqra’ which means read was the very first Quranic word to be revealed. How many of us follow the same? Education should be on our top priority specially girls’ education.
During studies what did you do to relieve stress?
I used to study for about 10 to 12 hours a day. That was hectic so I played cricket with friends and took a walk in the park to get myself mentally fresh again. And horse riding is also my hobby.
source: http://www.muslimmirror.com / Muslim Mirror / Home> Exclusive Reports> Indian Muslim> Interviews / by admin / June 26th, 2016
In recent times, the country’s past has become an extremely polarising point for its citizens. Many people have been brainwashed to believe that the advent of Islam in India and the subsequent period of Muslim rule across major parts of India was a period of dark ages.
However, it is also no secret that many scholars have convincingly argued otherwise, and now a Solapur-based Research Centre is doing the same. Named after pioneering activist Advocate Sayed Shah Gaziuddin, the centre is publishing books in Marathi and Urdu languages to help people understand and value the secular fabric of the nation.
The inspiration for this works comes from the life and works of Advocate Sayed Shah Gaziuddin, who strongly believed in social binding and communal harmony and always wanted Muslims to be aware of the social conditions of India.
Through his Urdu books, he introduced life and work of many social reformers, including Jyoti Ba Phule, Shahu Maharaj, Dr. B.r Ambedkar and Chhatrapati Shivaji. Dr. Ambedkar Hayat aur Karname ( Life and work of Dr Ambedkar) and Urdu translation of Govind Pansare’s Marathi Book “Shivaji Kon Hota” ( Who was Shivaji) are masterpieces of his literary work.
After Adv. Gaziuddin passed away in January 2014 at the age of 79, some of his like-minded friends decided to establish a research centre to continue his vision and mission. In January 2015, the centre came into existence and started extending its literary services. Taking a cue from the works of Gaziuddin, his friends also started working on similar projects.
Sarfaraz Ahmed’s Marathi book on Tipu Sultan became popular in a very short time, with the book selling over 10,000 copies in a year. The fourth edition of the book is now ready to hit the market. Apart from a book on Tipu Sultan, Ahmed has also written Marathi books on Haider Ali, scholars of Medieval India.
Also, Prem Hanvate’s “ Shivranche Muslim Sainik” ( Muslim soldiers of Shivaji ) was translated into Urdu by Sayed Wayez, the English book of Sayed Dawood “The Administration of the Deccan during Aurangzeb” has been translated into Urdu by Sayed Ismail.
In total, ten books have been published till now and work on some more books are in full swing, with ten young people also volunteering with the centre.
Talking about the centre, Vice president of the centre Ram Gaikwad said, “Late Adv. Gaziuddin was a dedicated progressive activist he has done a superlative job of bringing out the real history of social reformers of the majority community. His History research helps us in spreading brotherhood among Marathas and Muslims.
For the last ten years, I am also a part of his historical research panel and fortunately got an opportunity to continue this social work under his name.”
According to founder member and young historian Sarfaraz Ahmed identity of each and every community is based on its iconic personalities and social character is based on its history. “We carry out publication work by collecting donations from members. All the members from across Maharashtra are volunteers and they are all the under 30.
I must thank Sayed Ismail (Osmanabad) Sahil Shaikh (Sangli) Asif Mujawar (Latur), Kaleem Azeem (Pune) Prof. Mujeeb Kazi (Ambajogai) our President Samiullah Sheikh, Secretary Adv. Mahboob Kotimbre, Vice President Ram Gaikwad, Sayed Shah Wayez and our advisors B.G Kolse Patil, Shrimant Kokate, Sayed Iftikhar and M.I sheikh for their contributions.”
source: http://www.twocircles.net / TwoCircles.net / Home> Indian Muslim> Lead Story / by Imran Inamdar, TwoCircles.net / August 13th, 2018
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
Asif’s mantra, “My life is the purpose of everyone’s work,” resonates deeply within his rich personality. Dr. Khan aptly encapsulates Asif’s unwavering commitment to illuminating the path of education and eradicating societal darkness, echoing the sentiment that Asif’s life is dedicated to serving others.
In the landscape of educators, Asif Iqbal stands as a beacon of inspiration and dedication, reshaping the conventional norms of teaching and community engagement. While the average routine for most teachers comprises daily duties and personal engagements, Asif Iqbal, a 41-year-old teacher, exemplifies an extraordinary commitment that extends far beyond the traditional roles.
His passion for teaching goes beyond the classroom walls. Asif’s dedication spans across various domains, including social work, promotion of Urdu language and literature, active political participation, and tireless efforts toward educational empowerment. Unlike many, his primary focus lies in the upliftment of students and communities, striving to instigate positive transformations in their lives.
Embarking on his journey after completing a Diploma in Education, Asif began his career at a Zilla Parishad primary school in 2001. However, it was his departure from a secure government job in 2010 that marked a pivotal shift. At the young age of 28, he joined a renowned government-aided school in his city, ultimately rising to the position of Head Master at the SSA Urdu Primary School in Solapur.
His responsibilities extend far beyond the confines of an educational institution. As the spokesperson for the City Indian National Congress committee and President of the Lions Club Solapur (Classic), Asif actively engages in diverse social and political roles. Additionally, his affiliations with organizations like the All India Human Rights Association, Khidmate Khalq Organization of India, and various literary bodies underline his multifaceted contributions.
Asif’s devotion to education and his compassionate approach have earned him immense popularity among students and parents alike.
Maaz A. Gafoor Sagri, one of his brightest students currently preparing for NEET, hails Asif as a motivator who consistently creates platforms for students to showcase their talents. Despite the school’s substantial size of nearly 2000 students, Asif manages to establish personal connections with a vast majority, prioritizing character and behavior development.
Dr. A.A. Pagan, a PTA member of the school, lauds Asif Iqbal for his administrative prowess, capacity for work, and forward-thinking attitude. According to Dr. Pagan, Asif’s initiatives have brought about positive changes and regular personality development activities within the school.
In a conversation with Muslim Mirror, Asif reflects on the dearth of educational infrastructure in his city, especially for the substantial Muslim population. He laments the absence of universities and well-equipped campuses, emphasizing the need for investments in education over commercial endeavors like land development and construction projects.
Highlighting the broader educational landscape in Maharashtra, Asif points out the scarcity of institutions offering higher and professional education, while acknowledging the few notable ones like PA Inamdar University in Pune and Anjuman E Islam in Mumbai.
Asif’s vision extends beyond his current commitments. He expresses a strong desire to build an Asian Minority University, a dream he is diligently working towards with the acquisition of a 100-acre land. This envisioned educational hub aims to become a center for Indian Muslims, fostering educational growth and empowerment.
His influence on Urdu literature and poetry is equally significant. As a host to numerous All India Mushairas, including prestigious events like the Delhi Urdu Academy in the presence of Delhi’s Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, Asif has actively contributed to nurturing Urdu literary talents.
Despite commendations for his leadership potential in politics, Prakash Wale, a senior Congress Party leader, advocates for Asif’s continued presence in the education sector, acknowledging its need for individuals like Asif Iqbal, while cautioning about the intricate nature of politics.
Dr. Asadullah Khan, an eminent figure in the education realm, celebrates Asif Iqbal as a catalyst for educational and social transformation in Solapur. Recognizing Asif’s multifaceted abilities as an educator, poet, and orator, Dr. Khan commends his dedication to service and highlights Asif’s poetic work, “Naya Asman,” as a significant contribution to the world of literature.
Asif’s mantra, “My life is the purpose of everyone’s work,” resonates deeply within his rich personality. Dr. Khan aptly encapsulates Asif’s unwavering commitment to illuminating the path of education and eradicating societal darkness, echoing the sentiment that Asif’s life is dedicated to serving others.
This expansion not only delves deeper into Asif Iqbal’s multifaceted contributions but also elaborates on his vision, impact, and the endorsements he has received from various stakeholders within the education, social, and political spheres.
source: http://www.muslimmirror.com / Muslim Mirror / Home> Education> Positive Story / by Imran Inamdar / December 19th, 2023
