Tag Archives: Positive News of Muslim of West Bengal

Inspiring tales of a bus driver’s daughter, panwala’s son and gatekeeper’s grandson becoming doctors

Kolkata, WEST BENGAL :

Urooj, a Kolkata-based NGO has taken up the task of coaching underprivileged and average students to excel in NEET exam.

Kolkata’s renowned doctors with Urooj students who secured a seat through NEET

Kolkata:

Gosiya Azad stays in a small house on College Street. During the lockdowns, she found it difficult to study at her home, so she used to walk almost two kilometres to study in a library. Azad, daughter of a bus driver, has managed to secure a medical seat (BDS) at the Dr. R Ahmed Dental College.

Gosiya missed MBBS by one mark. If she would have OBC certificate then she would have got MBBS seat. She is an OBC candidate, but couldn’t get all the documentation done because her family is not literate.

“I had secured 62 per cent in senior secondary. And I was not very good at studies,” she recalls.

Like Gosiya, Shayaan Fahim, also says that he was an average student. And once believed he will never be able to crack the national level exam — National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET). But, he too secured an MBBS seat at the Barasat Medical College.

Danyal Rizwan Ansari passed his secondary from a government school in Bihar. He is all set to become the first doctor from his village. Danyal has also secured an MBBS seat in Barasat Medical College.

Along with them, there are other students whose father runs a pan stall or whose mother is a teacher in a trust school earning a meagre salary and have beaten all odds to crack the NEET and secure a medical seat.

The Urooj students who secured a medical seat

These students have one thing in common, Urooj, a Kolkata-based Non-Government Organization (NGO) which helps underprivileged and average students to crack NEET at a nominal or almost no fees.

Some 151 students (classroom+test) enrolled last year but due to open enrollment system only 79 gave tests, out of which 22 got seats in different government medical colleges and hospitals through NEET 2022. Among them, 14 are girls who realized their dreams of becoming doctors.

On Sunday evening, all of them, along with 15 more students of Urooj’s 2021 batch were felicitated in Topsia.

And to felicitate them, 30 doctors, from renowned medical colleges and hospitals attended the event.

Aulad Hussain High School, center of Urooj’s classroom coaching had a jam-packed session, despite the unexpected delay caused by a phenomenal turnout of guests to attend the event.

Dr Salim Parvez, Dr Nahid Parvez and Dr Aadil Bashir felicitate an Urooj student Md. Shoaib Akhtar

It was an emotional moment not only for the students who realized their dreams but also for the parents who wanted to see their sons and daughters don the ‘white coat’.

Anwar Hussain, who secured an MBBS seat in Deben Mahata Medical College, when get felicitated, later called upon his father Md Mobarak Hussain and the son donned the father with white coat.

“We do not do the felicitations for donations or publicity. But by such functions, we want to encourage the students for higher studies. We believe that MBBS is just a beginning and they have to do MD and MS or other higher studies in future,” informed Umar Daraz Danish, a teacher, by profession and the center-in-charge of Urooj.

Urooj is the brainchild of Dr. Minhajuddin Khurram, Cardio-Thoracic and vascular Surgeon at NRS Medical College and his cousin Dr. Jaweria Mehreen (MBBS intern). Urooj also gets support from Helping Hand Trust.

Dr. Ahsan Kamal, Dr. Minhajuddin Khurram and Dr. Jaweria Mehreen felicitating another student of Urooj Sumaiya AK Sayeed

Umar added, “Last year, a student whose grandfather was a gatekeeper in Aulad Hussain School cleared NEET and secured a seat in a government college. But we did not publicize it. Urooj also has students who are from economically well-off backgrounds, like a parent who is a teacher in Pratt Memorial.”

Urooj conducts a one-year course for students who are in plus two or have passed senior secondary. Unlike other medical coaching centers, Urooj does not teach or guide 11th-standard students in order to prepare for NEET. It charges only Rs 20000 for a year, that too in installments. If some parents can’t afford that also then they can pay as little as Rs 8000. The Urooj students, who crack NEET, next year help guide ongoing aspirants.

“We do not compromise on the quality of teachers. All are paid as per industry-standard. But we also ensure that students do not start considering teachers as cult figures and rather believe in Urooj and the idea behind it,” said Dr. Khurram, the Academic Supervisor of Urooj.

All the budding doctors praise Dr. Khurram for his selfless mentoring and guidance, which helped them crack NEET.

Some of the doctors also addressed future doctors like gynaecologist Nahid Parvez and Plastic Surgeon Faria Shahab.

“The students should believe that they are not in the profession to earn money but to serve humanity. I also request support from those who are unable to clear this year,” said Dr. Nahid.

While Dr. Faria highlighted, “There is a need for female doctors in every area of specialization and there is nothing like male specialist area, so girls can opt for any specialization they want.”

The list of thirty doctors with their specializations and where they are practicing.

1- Dr. Sayeed Uddin(MBBS, Veteran General Practitioner)

2- Dr. Marya Tazeen (BDS, Dentist, Central Kolkata)

3– Dr. Arshad Ahmed (MS, Orthopedics, Asst. Prof CNMC)

4- Dr. Sufiyan Ahmed (MD, Anesthesia and intensive care specialist, in-charge of GDDI ICU)

5– Dr. Ayesha Farheen (BHMS, Homeopathic Practitioner)

6– Dr. Arsalan Raza (MBBS, DCH, Pediatrician) 

7– Dr. Salim Parvez (MD, Radiologist, Director of Radiology, Fortis)

8– Dr. Nahid Parvez (MS, Renowned Gynaecologist)

9– Dr. Aadil Bashir (DM, Cardiologist, NRS MCH)

10– Dr. Asif Ansari (MD, Internal Medicine, Asst. Prof CNMC)

11– Dr. Fatima Zinna (MD, Dermatologist)

12– Dr. Wasif Akhtar (Homeopathy practitioner)

13– Dr. Md. Sarim Ashfaque. (MS, Orthopaedics, Apollo)

14– Dr. Ishrat Parveen (BHMS, Homeopathic Practitioner)

15– Dr. Zoya Ayesha (MBBS, Social Activist)

16– Dr. Ismail Shahidullah (DNB, Neuro Anesthesia- INK)

17– Dr. Jaweria Mehreen (MBBS intern- founder member of Urooj)

18– Dr. Mubashshir Shamim (MRCP, Pediatrician)

19– Dr. Arif Faizan (MD, Senior Interventional Radiologist, NH, Medica and Kothari)

20- Dr. Haseeb Hassan (DM- Neurologist, Amri, Kolkata)

21– Dr. Abdul Majid (DMS, Veteran Homeopathic Practitioner)

22– Dr. Amber Obaid (MD, Senior Radiologist, Medica)

23– Dr. Ahsan Kamal (MS, General Surgery)

24– Dr. Talha Shahid (BDS, Dentist)

25– Dr. Subhan Reyaz (DNB Radiation Oncology, Chitranjan Cancer Hospital)

26– Dr. Saima Shahid (BHMS, Homeopathic Practitioner)

27– Dr. Minhajuddin Khurram (MCh, CTVS, resident at NRS)

28– Dr. Faria Shahab (MCh, Plastic Surgeon, Asst. Prof RG. Kar)

29- Dr. Nehal (DMS, Veteran Homeopathic Practitioner, Social Activist)

30– Dr. Samira Aslam (BDS, Dentist)

source: http://www.enewsroom.in / eNews Room India / Home> Let There Be Light / by Shahnawaz Akhtar / January 10th, 2023

Ghazipur’s Saima Khan Creates History: Clears UPSC Twice, Secures Rank 135

Usia Village Kamsarbar (Ghazipur District), UTTAR PRADESH / Kolkata, WEST BENGAL :

The daughter of Kamsarbar village in Uttar Pradesh becomes the first woman civil servant from her area, inspiring Muslim girls across the country 

New Delhi :

In a moment of pride for Indian Muslims, especially young women from small towns, Saima Saraj Khan from Kamsarbar in Ghazipur district, Uttar Pradesh, has once again cleared the prestigious Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination. This time, she achieved an impressive All India Rank of 135, improving on her earlier success where she secured Rank 165. With this double achievement, Saima joins the rare group of women in the country who have passed the tough exam twice.

Saima, the only daughter among three siblings, hails from Usia village in the Muslim-majority Kamsarbar area of Ghazipur. Her family later moved to Kolkata, where she grew up and studied. Her father, Saraj Ahmad Khan, is a successful businessman and builder, and he played a big role in encouraging her education from childhood. “My father always said education is the biggest power. Once you get it, paths in life open on their own,” Saima recalled.

Most of Saima’s schooling took place in Kolkata. She completed up to Class 8 at St. Paul’s Boarding and Day School in Kidderpore, then did her Class 12 from Ashok Hall Girls Higher Secondary School. She graduated with honours in Sociology from St. Xavier’s College. During her college days, working with an NGO brought her close to real problems faced by people on the ground. “When I met people and saw their struggles, I felt I wanted to help them, even if in a small way. That need for real authority to make change pushed me towards UPSC,” she said.

Saima prepared for the exam at Educate IAS Academy in Kolkata. After clearing prelims in earlier attempts, she also guided other aspirants for some time. Her journey was not easy. She failed three times before her first success in UPSC 2023, which made her the first woman from Kamsarbar to become a civil servant. Each failure tested her deeply. “Every day after those failures, the thought of giving up came. But I had no other plan. All my dreams were tied to UPSC, so I kept going,” she shared.

To focus fully, Saima cut herself off from social media and most social events for four to five years. She rarely visited relatives or attended weddings, limiting outings to occasional meetings with childhood friends once a month. “There was no fixed study time, but I gave as many hours as possible to studies,” she explained.

Her message to other aspirants is clear and practical. “First, be honest with yourself. If you study five hours, focus on quality, not just quantity. Consistency matters most. Don’t worry too much about results—just keep preparing fully.” She also spoke directly to Muslim girls and women: “Dreaming and working to fulfil those dreams is every girl’s right. Women can succeed in any field. Never give up on your dreams.”

Saima’s success brings huge joy to her family, village, and district. People in Ghazipur and beyond see her as a strong example of self-reliance and hard work for Muslim women, where many still face limits on education and careers. Her story shows that with family support and belief in oneself, no goal is too far.

She quoted a line that sums up her journey: “Where there is a will, there is a way.” Saima often repeats that difficulties and failures are part of success. “Don’t let them take over you. Keep pushing.”

Her achievement also connects to Kolkata’s proud history—from Satyendranath Tagore, the first Indian ICS officer from united India, to now Saima becoming the first woman civil servant from Kamsarbar. “Education is the real power,” she stresses, echoing her father’s words from childhood.

As news of her Rank 135 spread, young Muslim girls in Uttar Pradesh and across India are finding fresh hope. Saima proves that with clear goals, steady effort, and strong resolve, women from humble backgrounds can reach the top. In the words of poet Dushyant Kumar that capture her spirit perfectly:

“Kaise aakaash mein suraakh nahin ho sakta

Ek patthar to tabiyat se uchhaalo yaaro”

(How can the sky not have a hole?

Just throw a stone with real courage, friends.)

Saima Khan has thrown that stone with full courage—and broken through barriers for many to follow. Her story is a shining light for education, perseverance, and the power of dreams in the Indian Muslim community.

source: http://www.clarionindia.net / Clarion India / Home> Editor’s Pick> Indian Muslims> Women / by Mohammad Bin Ismail / March 10th, 2026

Young Botanist from Bengal beats poverty to bag young scientist award

Joygram Village (North 24 Parganas District), WEST BENGAL :

Kutubuddin Ali Molla in research lab

Kolkata:

A young researcher from West Bengal beat poverty to bag the Young Scientist Award 2013-14 of India. The Young Botanist Kutubuddin Ali Molla, who hails from a very poor family in North 24 Parganas district received the honour for his research on “Development of Transgenic Rice Plants for Sheath Blight Resistance”.

The young scientist was felicitated on February 7, 2014 at Jammu University by Vice President of India Hamid Ansari with a cheque of Rs 25000 and an Award Certificate in the field of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences.

Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir Omar Abdullah and Governor of Jammu Kashmir N N Vhora, Former CM of J&K Dr. Farooq Abdullah were also present in this award ceremony.

Kutubuddin is currently posted as a scientist trainee at National Academy of Agricultural Research Management in Hyderabad.

Originally from a remote village of Joygram in North 24 Parganas, Kutubuddin Ali Molla, his father Illias Molla is a farmer and Grandfather Nasim Molla was a Maulana and social worker.

With only three Bighaa of agricultural land in a joint family, Illias Molla was not able to fulfill all the needs of the family; his eldest brother Yusuf Molla, however, financially supported his bright nephew in times of economic-crunch.

Kutubuddin Ali Molla taking award from VP Hamid Ansari at Jammu University.

As a young boy, he Kutubuddin also helped his father in the agricultural fields and learnt several things about paddy cultivation that developed his interest for becoming an agricultural scientist. Stricken by poverty, his father told him, he will not stop him from studying, but he is not in a condition to financially support him and hence he would need to manage the expenses from somewhere.

After completing his senior secondary from Joygram JN High School, Kutub took admission at City College in Kolkata in B.Sc (Honours) in Botany. As the college was about 60 KM from his village, he shifted to a hostel near the college on a nominal fees of Rs 50.

Kutub is very grateful to his Professor in college Dr Argha Hait, who helped in several ways. After graduating with first class, he took admission for post-graduation in Calcutta University, which he completed with first class and ranked third.

All these while, he gave private tuitions to support the expenses of his study and staying in Kolkata. Meanwhile, he also cleared the Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), GATE, ICAR (NET) and ARS tests.

Kutubuddin Ali Molla

He took admission in Phd under the Dr Karabi Dutta in 2009 in Plant Molecular Biology and Plant Biotechnology. He did his PhD research (PhD award still awaited) on transgenic rice and published a research article in a Research Journal of the British Society on `Molecular Plant Pathology’ in 2013 that attracted the attention of the agricultural scientists in the country.

He then participated in All India Young Scientist Award Competition and was selected for the Best Young Scientist Award of India in the field of agriculture for 2013-14.

Speaking to TCN over phone from Hyderabad, Kutubuddin thanked the Almighty Allah for the honour and hoped that his research in agricultural yields good result in paddy cultivation.

source: http://www.twocircles.net / TwoCircles.net / Home> Indian Muslim / by Zaidul Haque, TwoCircles.net / March 19th, 2014