Tag Archives: Positive News of Kerala Muslims

‘Nothing greater than the country honouring one’: Mammootty on being conferred Padma Bhushan

Bharat Ratna, Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, Padma Shri Award (since January 01st, 2024), , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

KERALA :

Fondly called ‘Mammukka’ by his fans and those close to him, the 74-year-old actor described the award as ‘unexpected’.

Malayalam superstar Mammootty, who was conferred the Padma Bhushan on Sunday, said he was “very happy” and that there was “nothing greater than the country honouring one”.

Fondly called ‘Mammukka’ by his fans and those close to him, the 74-year-old actor described the award as “unexpected” while speaking to a TV channel.

Wishes poured in on social media as news spread about the honour, which was conferred on Mammootty for his contributions to the field of art. “My friend Mammootty has now become Padma Bhushan Mammootty. Congratulations to my friend,” actor-politician Kamal Haasan wrote on X.

“Congratulations, Mammukka! And thank you for showing us how boundaries are broken, and challenges are taken up with a smile! You’re our pride and one of a kind,” actress Manju Warrier wrote in a Facebook post.

Later, at the Kerala State Film Awards ceremony, Mammootty was congratulated by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Culture Minister Saji Cherian. In his address at the event, Vijayan said Mammootty had been honoured by the country with the Padma Bhushan.

“The Kerala cabinet is happy it could take part in this joyous development, as we have been recommending him for the award for the past several years. Everything has its time. Heartfelt congratulations to him. No one in the history of Indian cinema has performed such diverse characters as he has,” the Chief Minister said.

Mammootty has acted in over 400 films across languages including Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Hindi and English, in a career spanning more than five decades.

He is a recipient of three National Awards, several state awards, and two honorary doctorates, apart from Padma Shri.

Mammootty made his film debut in 1971 with Anubhavangal Paalichakal. His most recent big-screen outing was Kalamkaval.

source: http://www.telegraphindia.com / The Telegraph Online / Home / by The Telegraph, Entertainment Web Desk / January 26th, 2026

Mohammed Afsal breaks national 800m record in Poland, becomes first Indian to go sub-1:45

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Palappuram (Palakkad District) KERALA :

Mohammed Afsal (Image: X/AIRNewsHindi)

Poznan (Poland):

Indian middle-distance runner Mohammed Afsal Pulikkalakath created history by becoming the first Indian athlete to run the men’s 800m in under 1 minute and 45 seconds. Competing at the Memoriał Czesława Cybulskiego athletics meet in Poznań, Poland, Afsal clocked a remarkable 1:44.93, breaking his own national record, reported the Ommcom News.

The 29-year-old athlete, who serves as a Junior Warrant Officer in the Indian Air Force, had previously set the national record at 1:45.61 during the UAE Athletics Grand Prix in Dubai earlier this year. Despite finishing sixth in Heat A/1 in Poznań, Afsal’s performance was a personal best and a significant milestone for Indian athletics.

The top three spots in the heat were claimed by Polish runners, with Maciel Wyderka taking the lead with a meet record and personal best of 1:44.23, followed closely by Filip Ostrowski (1:44.25) and Patryk Sieradzki (1:44.26).

The Czeslaw Cybulski Memorial, part of the World Athletics Continental Tour Silver, is named after the renowned Polish coach Czesław Cybulski, a key figure in Poznań’s sports history.

Hailing from Palappuram in the Palakkad district of Kerala, Afsal trains in Bengaluru under the Reliance Foundation program. He has previously won a silver medal at the 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, and another at the 2019 South Asian Games in Kathmandu, Nepal. His journey to fame began in 2013 when he clinched gold at the inaugural Asian School Track and Field Championships in Malaysia.

With this record-breaking run, Mohammed Afsal continues to raise the bar for Indian athletics on the global stage.

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Latest News> Markers of Excellence> Report / by Radiance News Bureau / July 06th, 2025

UAE-based Indian doctor Shamsheer Vayalil announces Rs 6 crore aid for Air India crash victims

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KERALA / Abu Dhabi, U.A.E :

PC: mathrubhumi

Dubai :  

UAE-based Indian doctor and philanthropist Dr Shamsheer Vayalil has announced Rs 6 crore in financial aid for the families of medical students and doctors affected by the Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad last week.

The ill-fated aircraft struck the BJ Medical College’s Atulyam hostel complex during lunch hour, reducing student residences and the dining hall to rubble.

All but one of the 242 passengers and crew on board the Boeing 787-8(AI 171) and another 29 persons, including five MBBS students, on the ground were killed when the London-bound aircraft crashed, moments after it took off from the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport.

Announcing the relief from the UAE capital of Abu Dhabi, Dr Shamsheer, founder and chairman of Burjeel Holdings and managing director of VPS Health, said he was deeply shaken when he saw the aftermath of the crash.

As someone who had lived in similar hostels during his medical education at Kasturba Medical College in Mangalore and Sri Ramachandra Medical College in Chennai, the images struck a chord, he said.

“I saw the footage from the mess and the hostel, and it truly shook me. It reminded me of the places I once called home, the corridors, the beds, the laughter, the pressure of exams, and the anticipation of a call from family,” he said.

“No one expects a commercial aircraft to come crashing into that world,” he added.

“Those students started the day thinking about lectures, assignments, and patients. Their lives ended in a way none of us could ever imagine. It hit close. Too close,” he said.

Dr Shamsheer’s relief package includes Rs 1 crore for each of the four deceased students’ families, Rs 20 lakh each for five seriously injured students, and Rs 20 lakh each for the families of doctors who lost loved ones.

The financial assistance will be delivered in coordination with the Junior Doctors’ Association at BJ Medical College, ensuring that those in need receive support swiftly.

This is not the first time Dr Shamsheer has responded to such a crisis. In 2010, following the Mangalore air crash, he provided financial assistance and employment opportunities to affected families at Burjeel Holdings, a leading healthcare provider in the Middle East.

source: http://www.english.varthabharati.in / Vartha Bharati / Home> Gulf / by Vartha Bharati / June 17th, 2025

KKMA Karnataka branch hands over two new homes to needy families

Community Involvement / Social Issues, Karnataka (under research project), NRI's / PIO's, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

KERALA / KARNATAKA / KUWAIT :

Mangaluru :

 As part of its efforts to support poor families, the Kuwait Kerala Muslim Association (KKMA), Karnataka Branch handed over two newly built houses on June 20 under its flagship project, ‘Home for Homeless’.

The houses were given to deserving families in the villages of Nelyadi and Kukkaje of Dakshina Kannada, who were in need of permanent shelter. With this, KKMA has now completed 17 homes under the project, marking an important achievement in its mission to help the underprivileged.

The key handover event was attended by senior leaders from KKMA Central, Kerala, and Karnataka units. Their presence showed the unity and strong commitment of the organization toward community service.

The ‘Home for Homeless’ project is led by the KKMA Karnataka Branch and its State Committee. The goal is to build strong, good-quality homes that improve the lives of poor families in rural areas. The project is a clear example of KKMA’s long-term dedication to social welfare.

This work is made possible by the generous support of Malayali and Kannadiga expatriates, as well as kind-hearted donors and well-wishers who believe in helping others and giving back to society.

Important guests at the event included KKMA Patron P. K. Akbar Siddique, KKMA Kerala State Secretary Abdul Razak Melady, KKMA CFO Rafiq Mulky, KKMA Karnataka State President S. M. Farooq, senior member Rafiq Manchi, and community members Shaz Yusuf, Salam, Adam Aahil, among others.

KKMA celebrates more than 20 years of service, and continues to be recognised for its helpful projects and strong commitment to social responsibility.

source: http://www.english.varthabharati.in / Vartha Bharati / Home> Karavali / by Vartha Bharati / June 21st, 2025

Zach Faizal’s Peec Mobility, BEEAH, SRTIP forge partnership for sustainable mobility in Sharjah

Amazing Feats, Business & Economy, Green Products, Inventions, Innovations (wef. Nov 30th, 2021), Karnataka (under research project), NRI's / PIO's, Science & Technology, Transport, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

KERALA / Mangaluru, KARNATAKA / Dubai , U.A.E:

In a groundbreaking move toward sustainable transportation, BEEAH has officially entered into a strategic partnership with Peec Mobility and the Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park (SRTIP).

The collaboration aims to revolutionize local electric vehicle production by repurposing end-of-life petrol vehicles, fostering recycling practices to support a circular economy, and driving research and skill development in the burgeoning field of sustainable mobility.

The partnership agreement, signed at the BEEAH Headquarters, saw the participation of key figures, including Her Excellency Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, President of the American University of Sharjah and Chairperson of SRTIP; Khaled Al Huraimel, Group CEO of BEEAH; Zach Faizal, Founder of Peec Mobility; and HE Hussain Al Mahmoudi, CEO of SRTIP.

Zach Faizal’s brainchild, Peec Mobility, has been at the forefront of innovation since its inception in 2022. The Dubai-based startup specializes in the repurposing of retired petrol vehicles, seamlessly transforming them into electric vehicles with a remarkable 30% cost reduction and an 80% decrease in manufacturing time compared to the production of new electric vehicles.

Faizal, a 24-year-old entrepreneur, envisions Peec Mobility’s technology as a game-changer for the region. He emphasizes that their re-engineering process offers a more cost-effective, quicker, and environmentally friendly transition to electric mobility than investing in entirely new electric vehicles.

“Today, re-engineering is quicker, smoother, and greener than buying new EVs, and proves cost-efficient,” Faizal stated during the announcement. “Peec’s vehicles are aimed to be priced at 30 per cent to 50 per cent lower with the volumes we’re looking at, thus solving the affordability challenge in the sector,” he added.

Peec Mobility’s focus extends beyond individual cars, with ambitious plans to repurpose entire fleets of ICE buses, cars, and trucks on UAE roads. Faizal believes in the efficacy of reusing existing vehicles, stating that “waste is minimized, and a new life cycle begins.”

The partnership seeks to support Sharjah’s transition to sustainable mobility while minimizing the environmental impact of the production and repurposing processes. The overarching goal is to contribute to national and global objectives for zero-waste, circularity, sustainable transport, and decarbonization.

Zach Faizal expressed his commitment to the cause, stating, “Conversion is the most pragmatic route to Net-Zero. Once we succeed with our business strategy here, we will take it to other countries to redefine the used-car market.”

As part of the collaboration, Peec Mobility and its partners plan to unveil the first lineup of repurposed mid-sized sedans and buses at the UN Climate Change Conference, showcasing the innovative technology and commitment to sustainable practices.

With the support of the government, Peec Mobility aims to implement the conversion at scale, creating a replicable model not only for the UAE but potentially for other countries. Faizal proposes a policy to repurpose 5.0% of existing vehicles on the road annually for the next seven years, aligning with the UAE’s Net Zero goal.

As of now, Peec Mobility is on track to introduce at least 500 repurposed EVs on Dubai roads by 2024, offering a tangible solution to the affordability challenge associated with electric vehicles.

Zach Faizal is the son of Faizal Kottikollon and Shabana Faizal, a well-known Indian entrepreneur couple based in the UAE. The couple is not only known for their business endeavors but also for their philanthropic contributions.

Shabana hails from Mangaluru in the Karnataka state of India. She is the only daughter of prominent businessman and socio-religious leader Late B Ahmed Haji Mohiudeen who founded the prestigious BA Group of Businesses in Thumbay near Mangaluru.

source: http://www.english.varthabharati.in / Vartha Bharati / Home> Gulf / by Vartha Bharati / December 13th, 2023

From A Tailor To The One Who Crafts Unique Fashion – Nellara Shamsudheen

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KERALA / DUBAI, U.A.E:

article-image

Even when nothing works out as you planned, don’t lose your trust in yourself, this is what Mr. Shamsudheen has to share with us. 

Being the Managing Director of Nellara Groups, Address apparel, and more venture, Mr. Shamsudheen a successful Multipreneur from Kerala, has a story of dreams & hard work to share with us. 

Since his teenage years, he started working to earn money to pursue his passion, establishing a business. He kept a keen interest in designing shirts, and from a native tailor, Mr. Shamsudheen acquired skills to stitch them, not knowing it would be a turning point in his life.  

As he grew up, his dreams got life, and ‘Nellara food products, ’ a chain that provides premium quality food products, was born. 

Still, his passion to design fashion was the same, and the concept of gifting people the best ones at an affordable range gave life to a clothing brand, ‘Address Men’s Apparel’. 

With cunning strategies and proper implementation, Address caught global attention, and it is now a brand with 60+ outlets across 12 countries. Team Address focuses on designing desired outfits in premium quality that every man dreams of. 

Address, a brand exclusively for men, was a dream of Mr. Shamsudheen, and with years of research and market study, the brand was revealed with an exceptional array of supreme comfort shirts.  They have a well-experienced and truly professional team of fashion designers to gift everyone the best outfit. 

Offering a wide range of shirts, including Supima, Cargo, and Solid shirts, Address Apparel promises superior quality garments because their team leader, Mr. Shamsudheen, believes in extending everything at the best level without compromising quality. 

Mr. Shamsudheen Nellara, One who believes in making changes by marking goodness, carries the title of one of the best entrepreneurs in India with all commitment and future goals.

source: http://www.freepressjournal.in / The Free Press Journal / Home> Business / by FPJ Web Desk / July 04th, 2023

Indian National League hails Kerala port minister Ahammad Devarkovil for initiating big port project in Vizhinjam

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KERALA:

New Delhi:

The Indian National League (INL), a part of the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) coalition government in Kerala, has lauded its leader, Ahammad Devarkovil, who serves as the Minister of Ports in the state cabinet, for initiating a massive international seaport project in Vizhinjam near Thiruvananthapuram.

Marking a historic milestone in the development of Indian port, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan waved the green flag on Sunday to welcome the first-ever ship at the Rs 7,700 crore deep-water international Vizhinjam port.

He was joined by Minister of State for External Affairs V Muraleedharan, Kerala’s port minister Ahammad Devarkovil, Congress Member of Parliament Shashi Tharoor, various state ministers, and APSEZ CEO Karan Adani.

They waved a green flag, signaling the tugboats to guide the massive Chinese ship, Zhen Hua 15, from the wharf to the docking yard.  This under construction seaport is India’s first deep-water container transshipment port with the capacity to host large cargo ships and the world’s largest luxury cruise ships.

Owned by the Government of Kerala, it will be operated by the Adani Group for 40 years, handling 75 percent of India’s container trans-shipment needs and reducing reliance on ports in other neighboring countries upon full commission.

Emphasizing its international importance, the Chief Minister announced that it would be commissioned by May next year. However, the flagging-off ceremony sparked political controversy, with both the ruling LDF and the opposition UDF claiming credit for the project. Congress leaders argued that former Chief Minister Oommen Chandy was the driving force behind the project, but the LDF dismissed the claims.

During a press conference at the Press Club of India here on October 16, leaders of the INL spoke on various issues, including the Palestine-Israel conflict, opposition coalition INDIA, the caste census, News Click raids, and the minority character of Aligarh Muslim University.

INL National President Prof. Mohammed Suleiman, Kerala State Chief Ahmed Devarkovil, its All India General Secretary Muzammil Hussain, National Committee Member CP Anwar Sadat, Delhi Head Rafi Ahmed Khan, and General Secretary Qamar Ali addressed the media.

Addressing the press conference, Prof. Suleiman said that India’s support for Israel was tarnishing the country’s international image. He demanded a national-level caste census to ensure the welfare of minority communities and protect their rights. Expressing concerns over the media raids, Prof. Suleiman said that the raids against NewsClick and other journalists were a continuation of the Union government’s attempts to intimidate the media.

The INL, working in 11 states since its establishment in 1994, issued a press release stating its commitment to working nationwide against the Hindutva forces led by Narendra Modi. The statement said, “the party aims to establish a secular and democratic coalition called “INDIA” to eliminate communal and fascist influences from the national political landscape. The INL started its campaign in Kerala as well as other states to make the voters ready to strengthen the anti BJP platform.”

Praising Ahammad Devarkovil, the INL emphasized that in his role as the Minister of Ports, he has showcased his acumen and talent, as evident from Sunday’s ceremony when a large ship from China was anchored at Vizhinham.

Calling on the international community for opening the blockade of Gaza and ensure supply of medicines, food, water and electricity to the suffering people of Gaza, the INL said that the party supported the persecuted Palestinians who were fighting against the illegal occupation of their land by the Zionist regime of Israel. To ensure durable peace an independent, the INL demanded a sovereign Palestine state must be established.

Strongly objecting to what it described as the BJP government’s nefarious designs to abolish the autonomy and minority status of Aligarh Muslim University, the party has called for the reinstatement of the AMU Amendment Act of 1981. Moreover, it demands the prompt commencement of the process to appoint a permanent Vice-Chancellor and the immediate scheduling of elections for the AMU Student Union.

The INL has also announced that Dr. Baseer Ahmed Khan, former Pro Vice-Chancellor of Indira Gandhi Open University and former Chairman of the AMU Students’ Union, has joined the Indian National League.

source: http://www.indiatomorrow.net / India Tomorrow / Home> Development / by Anwarulhaq Baig / October 17th, 2023

On top of world with 81 certificates in 24 hours — meet Kerala’s Rehna Shajahan

Amazing Feats, Education, NRI's / PIO's, Women/Girls(since May26-2021), , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Illickall (Kottyam District), KERALA :

Rehna has set a world record for the maximum number of online certificates secured in a day, reports Cynthia Chandran.

Kottayam:

Rehna Shajahan was devastated when half a mark cost her an MCom seat at the Jamia Milia Islamia. However, she did not lose heart. The 25-year-old enrolled for two postgraduate courses online — a master’s in social work and a diploma in guidance and counselling

She went on to prepare for the common admission test in management studies. As she cracked the CAT exam, Rehna was the only Malayali in her batch to get admission to the Jamia Millia Islamia for an MBA programme. And now, her zeal for study has earned her the world record for the maximum number of online certificates secured in a day — a whopping 81.

A resident of Illickal in Kottayam district, Rehna says her sister Nehla, whom she fondly calls ‘itha’, inspired her. Nehla got a lucrative job after pursuing her master’s in operational research from the London School of Economics and was always the studious one. “But I was determined to overcome the tag of an average student,” Rehna says.

When her sister got admission in Lady Sriram College, New Delhi, Rehna too wanted to try her luck in getting into a central university. She missed by a whisker and the rest is history. While pursuing the two post-graduate degrees simultaneously, she worked with an NGO, ‘Women’s Manifesto’, based in New Delhi that worked for women’s empowerment.

“When I cracked the CAT exam, I realised I can excel in studies. We need to try rather than just dream. I was keen on enhancing my repertoire by pursuing certification courses,” she says.

The previous world record for maximum online certificates received in one day was 75. She had recently quit her cushy job as a management professional in Dubai to attend to her father PM Shajahan, who has had a transplant surgery. For Rehna, her family comprising father, mother CM Rafiath, husband Ebrahim Riyaz, who is an IT engineer, and her sister is her priority. For that is the support system that gives her the courage and the inspiration to reach for the stars.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Good News / by Cynthia Chandran / Express News Service / August 28th, 2022

CP Rizwan, electrical engineer from Kerala is UAE’s T20 captain for Asia Cup

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Thalassery, KERALA / U.A.E :

CP Rizwan moved to the UAE in 2014 after not getting a Ranji Trophy game. Will be special if we get to play against India, he says.

From not being able to get a game for his state in the Ranji Trophy to leading a national team, Rizwan’s cricketing fortunes have changed for the better.

CP Rizwan’s cricket career didn’t really take off and the electrical engineer from Kerala, like many from his state, migrated to the gulf after landing a job in Sharjah.

Eight years later, the 34-year-old has made it big – on the field. On Thursday, the Emirates Cricket Board named Rizwan the skipper for the Asia Cup qualifiers. If Rizwan’s United Arab Emirates (UAE) win the qualifiers, they will be in the same group as heavyweights India and Pakistan.

“It will definitely be special if we qualify and get to play against India. But we just want to focus on one step at a time,” Rizwan told The Indian Express The UAE, Kuwait, Hong Kong and Singapore will be fighting for the one spot available in the group stage.

From not being able to get a game for his state in the Ranji Trophy to leading a national team, Rizwan’s cricketing fortunes have changed for the better.

Rizwan, leg-spinner turned batsman, hails from Thalassery, a cricket hub with a history that dates back to the British Raj. He made a name for himself in age-group cricket and represented Kerala in U-19 and U-23 levels. He also toured South Africa with a Kerala team that included the likes of Sanju Samson. But he could not progress further because he took a break from the sport to complete his engineering degree. He tried to make a comeback after completing his studies but was not able to replicate his age-group success at the senior level. He was named in the Ranji Trophy squad but remained on the bench.

Migrating to the UAE for a job also gave Rizwan’s cricket career a new lease of life, and it has reached new heights now. On Sunday, he walked out to lead the UAE against Kuwait in their first qualifier game.

Last year, Rizwan scored his first international century (109) in an ODI against Ireland when the team was under pressure at 51 for 3. He added 184 runs for the fourth wicket along with Muhammad Usman. The two centurions helped the UAE chase down 270 with six wickets in hand and an over to spare.

“I am happy and honoured to lead the UAE national team. We have been doing well in T20 tournaments. Our players play a lot of T20 games here in the domestic circuit also. But having said that, we have to execute the skills in the right way on the given day,” Rizwan said.

In former India all-rounder Robin Singh, the UAE have an experienced coach to guide their newly-appointed skipper.

“We have been working really hard under coach Robin Singh. He is a person with a great work ethic and that quality has rubbed on to the players also. We have been training well and hopefully, everything will fall into place,” Rizwan, who has played 29 ODIs and seven T20Is for UAE, said.

The electrical engineer, who graduated from Cochin University of Science and Technology, had an opportunity to return home when he got a job with the postal department but he decided against moving back.

His performances in the domestic matches in UAE for teams like Yogi Group, Bukhatir XI and Interface, eventually opened the doors to the UAE national team. After fulfilling the requirement of residing in the UAE for four years, Rizwan made his debut for his adopted country in an ODI against Nepal in January 2019.

“Yes, it could be said that my decision (to stay in the UAE) has been vindicated. I just want to say thanks to all the coaches, friends, family and relatives and the almighty who helped me in this journey,” said Rizwan.

Biju George, the former India women’s fielding coach, has seen Rizwan from his under-23 days for Kerala.

“Rizwan is a fully dedicated player. He is a confident and street-smart player, I think, he can be an asset to the UAE team as their captain,” George said.

The UAE opted for split captaincy and Ahmed Raza, who was the captain in all formats, now leads the team in ODIs.

source: http://www.indianexpress.com / The Indian Express / Home> Sports> Cricket / by Narayanan S, Kochi / August 22nd, 2022