Students of Women’s College, Aligarh Muslim University, brought laurels to the institution as Nabeela Khan (B.Sc. Biochemistry) and Ashfia Khan (B.A. Psychology) secured a silver medal at the Indiaskate National Championship 2026 held from April 23 to 28.
Leading the Uttar Pradesh team, captain Nabeela Khan displayed strong leadership and determination throughout the tournament. In the final against Tamil Nadu, the team delivered a spirited performance, finishing 16–8 to clinch the silver medal.
Both players played a key role in guiding the team to the finals, showcasing excellent coordination, resilience and competitive spirit at the national level.
source: http://www.indiaeducationdiary.in / India Education Diary / Home> National News> University News / by India Education Bureau / May 02nd, 2026
Amima Jauhar, daughter of Mohammad Afaque Jauhar, has emerged as the top scorer of Prestigious Al Barkat Public School, Aligarh, securing an outstanding 96.6% in her CBSE 10th board examinations. Interestingly another student Aleena Akhter also made the school proud by getting the same excellent result.
Amima’s result stood out with a perfect 100 marks in both Urdu and Information Technology, reflecting her exceptional command over languages as well as technical subjects. Her consistent hard work, disciplined study routine, and academic focus have been widely appreciated by teachers and school authorities.
A student of Al Barkat Public School, Amima also received guidance from Image Classes, Aligarh, which played a supportive role in her preparation. Her achievement has brought pride to her family, school, and the Aligarh academic community.
source: http://www.theindianawaaz.com / The Indian Awaaz / Home> Campus / by Indian Awaaz / April 18th, 2026
The sisters come from a modest background. Their father, Abdul Malik, works as a carpenter, while their mother studied up to Class 9.
Two sisters from Meerut have drawn attention with their impressive performance in the Uttar Pradesh Madhyamik Shiksha Parishad examinations, securing the top two positions in the district.
Adeeba Malik scored 95.68 per cent in the high school examination to secure first place, while her sister Shifa Malik ranked second with 82 per cent in the science stream.
Their achievement has brought joy to the locality, with residents visiting their home to congratulate the family.
Adeeba attributed her success to discipline and consistency. “I studied for long hours every day and stayed focused. Hard work and a proper routine helped me achieve this result,” she said. She scored full marks in mathematics, her strongest subject.
Notably, she prepared entirely at home without any tuition or coaching support.
The sisters come from a modest background. Their father, Abdul Malik, works as a carpenter, while their mother studied up to Class 9. Expressing his pride, Abdul Malik said, “I could not study much myself, but my daughter is making me proud. There is no difference between a son and a daughter. I want her to study and move ahead.”
The sisters were felicitated at St Joseph Inter College, where teachers and students celebrated their success. Sweets were distributed, and similar celebrations were held at their home.
Family members said the achievement reflects the sisters’ consistent dedication and hard work.
Adeeba aspires to become an IAS officer and serve the country.
Education experts say such success stories are significant, especially in areas where awareness about girls’ education is still evolving and students often face challenges in continuing their studies. The sisters’ achievement is being seen as an inspiring example for others.
source: http://www.clarionindia.net / Clarion India / Home> Editor’s Pick> India> Indian Muslim / by Mohammad Bin Ismail / April 25th, 2026
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
Dariyapur Jaka Village (Bulandshahr District), UTTAR PRADESH :
Jamia Millia Islamia’s Nabiya Parvez Secures AIR 29 in UPSC Civil Services Examination 2025.
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has announced the results of the Civil Services Examination 2025, one of the toughest competitive examinations in the world.
According to the official statement, a total of 958 candidates have been selected for appointment to India’s top civil services. These include the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS), Indian Police Service (IPS), along with several Group A and Group B central services.
Among the successful candidates is Nabiya Parvez, who secured an impressive All India Rank (AIR) 29 in the UPSC CSE 2025. She hails from Dariyapur Jaka village in Bulandshahr district of Uttar Pradesh. Nabiya pursued a Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch) from Jamia Millia Islamia in New Delhi.
She was also a student of the Residential Coaching Academy (RCA) at Jamia Millia Islamia, which provides guidance to aspirants preparing for civil services examinations.
According to information available on her LinkedIn profile, Nabiya successfully cleared the UPSC Civil Services Examination with AIR 29, placing her among the top 30 candidates in the country.
The UPSC CSE is conducted in three stages: the Preliminary Examination, the Main Examination, and the Interview (Personality Test). The preliminary exam for 2025 was held on May 25, followed by the mains from August 22 to August 31.
The interview process took place in two phases between December 2025 and January 2026. The final merit list was released on March 6, 2026.
The top 10 rank holders of UPSC CSE 2025 include Anuj Agnihotri, Rajeshwari Suve M, Akansh Dhull, Raghav Jhunjhunwala, Ishan Bhatnagar, Zinnia Aurora, A R Rajah Mohaideen, Pakshal Secretry, Astha Jain, and Ujjwal Priyank.
source: http://www.muslimmirror.com / Muslim Mirror / Home> Indian Muslim / by Muslim Mirror Desk / March 08th, 2026
Ishita Sharma (right) and Ifra Shams Ansari (right)
The daughters of Uttar Pradesh achieved remarkable success in the UPSC 2025. Ifrah Shams Ansari of Bhadohi and Ishita Sharma of Gorakhpur brought honor to their state and families by securing high ranks. Their achievement has brought joy to their families.
Daughters from Bhadohi and Gorakhpur districts of Uttar Pradesh have brought glory to the state by passing the UPSC-2025 examination. Bhadohi’s daughter Ifra Shams Ansari achieved All India Rank (AIR) 24, while Gorakhpur’s daughter Ishita Sharma achieved AIR 26. Their success has brought joy to the entire district and family. Ifra Shams Ansari is set to become the district’s first IAS officer.
Ifra Shams Ansari, a resident of Rotahan village in the Chauri Bazaar area of Bhadohi city, has created history by securing an All India Rank of 24 in the prestigious Union Public Service Commission (UPSC-2025) examination. Her father, Shams Ansari, said he could not be happier during this holy month of Ramadan. He said the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) is one of the most prestigious and influential civil services in the country, and his daughter’s selection is a matter of pride for the entire family.
Ifra completed her primary education from Lucknow.
Her father, Shams Ansari, is in the carpet business. He said Ifra completed her primary education at La Martiniere Girls’ College in Lucknow. She then earned a Bachelor of Arts (Honors) in Economics from Lady Shri Ram College for Women in Delhi. She furthered her education by earning a Masters (M.A.) in Economics from the Delhi School of Economics.
Took coaching from RCA
To prepare for the Civil Services Examination, she took coaching from the Residential Coaching Academy (RCA) of Jamia Millia Islamia, after which she successfully cleared the UPSC Civil Services Examination. Her father, Shams Ansari, said that his daughter was inspired to take the exam by her classmate, Shruti Sharma, who had passed the UPSC Civil Services Examination two years earlier and is currently an IAS officer.
Learn where Ifra got her inspiration from.
Shruti Sharma’s success gave Ifra the confidence and inspiration that she too could reach this level. After discussions with her family, she began preparing for the Civil Services Examination. She secured a rank in her first attempt, but due to her relatively low rank, she re-took the exam and secured 24th rank in her second attempt. Shams Ansari further stated that his family always provides full support to children.
Gorakhpur’s daughter created history
Ifrah is the second of their children and is no less important to the family than a son. They said that their daughter has brought them the greatest joy during this holy month of Ramadan. The family wishes that she continues to serve the nation and society with excellence, and that Allah grants her continued success. Ishita Sharma, a resident of Raptinagar, Gorakhpur, is no less. She secured the 26th rank in the UPSC 2025 results in her fourth attempt.
Completed studies from Delhi University
After completing her B.Com and M.Com from Delhi University, Ishita chose commerce as her optional subject. She began preparing for the Civil Services exam while living at home. She made it to the interview stage on her third attempt, but was unsuccessful. However, Ishita secured the 26th rank in the UPSC exam on her fourth attempt. Ishita’s father, DK Sharma, is a bank manager, and her mother, Archana Sharma, is a homemaker.
Passed NET-JRF in the first attempt
Ishita passed the NET-JRF in her first attempt. It was only after that that she began preparing for the civil services. Ishita attributes her success to dedication, hard work, and commitment. She emphasized that choosing an optional subject for the civil services should be thoughtful. She gave full credit for her success to her elder brother. She stated that she would work to improve education while holding this position.
source: http://www.tv9hindi.com / TV9 Bharatvarsh / Home> Hindi News> State> Uttar Pradesh / by Rohit Gupta (Bhadohi) / Pradeep Tiwari (Gorakhpur) / translated from Hindi to English / March 07th, 2026
Educated at Allahabad University, the daughter of a State Bank of India officer credits self-study, family support and disciplined preparation to secure first rank
New Delhi :
In a story of determination, faith and steady hard work, Anjum Ara from Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh has secured first rank in the Chhattisgarh Provincial Judicial Service Examination, becoming a judge and bringing pride to her home state. Her success has been widely celebrated in Prayagraj, where neighbours and well-wishers described her achievement as a moment of honour for the city.
Anjum, who comes from an educated Muslim family, said her journey was shaped by a personal loss that changed the direction of her life. Her uncle, whom she lovingly called Bade Abu, served as an Additional District Judge. His death left a deep impact on her and inspired her to choose the path of judicial service. “I used to call him Bade Abu,” Anjum recalled. “After he passed away, I made up my mind that I would become a judge like him and serve society.”
She completed her early schooling at Central Academy in Jhunsi town in Prayagraj District before pursuing her BA and LLB from the University of Allahabad. Reflecting on her university years, Anjum said the Law Faculty played a major role in shaping her approach towards legal studies. “The Law Faculty taught me to understand the law, not just memorise it,” she said. “Our professors focused on practical learning. That helped me a lot in the judicial exams.” She added that because of the strong academic environment at the university, she did not feel the need to rely on costly coaching institutes. “If your basics are clear, you can prepare on your own,” she said.
Her father, Shamim Ahmed, works as an assistant manager at the State Bank of India, while her mother, Akhtari Begum, is a homemaker. Anjum described her parents as her biggest support system. She said her preparation was entirely self-driven and disciplined. “I studied five to six hours every day with full focus,” she explained.
For the mains examination, she focused strongly on judgment writing. She regularly practised answer writing and carefully studied judgments delivered by local courts in Chhattisgarh to understand how decisions are framed. “I practised writing answers regularly. I also studied judgments from local courts in Chhattisgarh to understand how decisions are structured,” she said. She also credited her habit of reading newspapers daily for helping her during the interview stage. “Current affairs helped me respond confidently,” she added.
At home, her family ensured that her studies were never disturbed. “They made sure there was no noise while I studied. They always encouraged me, especially when I failed in the Rajasthan and Delhi judicial exams,” Anjum said. Her father said the family never allowed disappointment to take over. “We always believed in her ability. Failure is part of life. We told her not to lose hope,” he said. Her mother added, “She worked very hard day and night. We only tried to give her a calm environment.”
Before achieving success in Chhattisgarh, Anjum faced setbacks in other states. She admitted that those failures were painful but also important lessons. “Failures taught me where I was lacking,” she said. “Instead of getting upset, I improved my answer writing and strengthened my understanding of the law.” Her perseverance paid off when the results were declared and she secured the top rank in the state.
Residents in Prayagraj expressed pride in her achievement. A neighbour said, “This is a proud moment for the entire area. She has shown that with hard work, anything is possible.” A former teacher from the University of Allahabad said, “Anjum was always sincere and focused. Her success proves that strong academic grounding and discipline make a real difference.”
Now appointed as a judge, Anjum says her goal is to carry out her duties with honesty and integrity. “I want to fulfil my responsibilities towards society through the judiciary with sensitivity,” she said. “Justice should be fair and humane.” Her achievement is being seen as an inspiration, particularly for young women from minority communities who dream of entering the judiciary.
Anjum also shared advice for aspirants preparing for judicial services. She urged students to build a strong grasp of the basic language of law. She advised regular answer writing practice for the mains examination and stressed the importance of understanding how court judgments are read and written. She encouraged students to maintain a routine of five to six hours of focused study daily and not to lose heart in the face of failure. “There is no easy way,” she said. “You have to stay focused and believe in yourself.”
From the classrooms of Prayagraj to securing the top rank in Chhattisgarh, Anjum Ara’s journey reflects discipline, patience and family support. As she prepares to take her place on the bench, many young aspirants now look to her story as proof that steady effort and belief in one’s goal can turn a dream into reality.
source: http://www.clarionindia.net / Clarion India / Home> Editor’s Pick> Indian Muslims / by Mohammad Bin Ismail / February 23rd, 2026
If you thought that the marching of an all-women tri-services contingent in the Republic Day Parade was just a show-off, you need to know about two women in the Indian Army to realise how women are not only joining the Military but also get the toughest assignments by being posted on treachrous terrains and hostile borders of India.
Captain Saria Abbasi and Captain Fatima Wasim are two women army officers whose names surfaced on social media. Abbasi is posted on the post on the Line of Actual Control (LAC) the contentious working boundary with China and Fatima Wasim on a post in Siachen, the world’s highest and coldest battlefield along Pakistan.
Captain Saria Abbasi’s picture surfaced on social media after a visit of the media team to the Tawang border where India had deployed its latest acquisition anti-aircraft gun L70.
Capt Saria Abbasi on duty
Capt. Saria Abbasi briefed the media on the merits of the L-70 anti-aircraft gun with its deployment, which can target all types of unmanned aerial vehicles, helicopters, and drones.
Capt Abbasi hails from Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, and had dreamt of wearing the Army uniform as a child.
This one video and some pictures caught the attention of the entire country as people were awed by a woman in that role and the gender parity in the Indian army.
Abbasi’s unit is one of the first AD regiments in the country, equipped with 70 guns. India has deployed anti-aircraft guns L70 in Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh, amid ongoing tensions on the Indo-China border in eastern Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh.
Saria Abbasi’s father Dr. Tehseen Abbasi is associated with All India Radio, and her mother Rehana Shamim is a junior high school teacher.
The second woman whose image also captured the imagination of the country’s men is Captain Fatima Wasim of the Siachen Warriors. She created history by becoming the first woman medical officer to be deployed to an operational post on the Siachen Glacier.
Capt Fatima Wasim at Siachen
Her posting was proclaimed by the Indian Army’s Fire and Fury Corps in a post on X.
“She (Captain Fatima Wasim) was inducted to a post at an altitude of 15,200 feet after undergoing rigorous training at Siachen Battle School, which speaks of her indomitable spirit and high motivation,” Fire and Fury Corps posted on X.
The Indian Army’s Fire and Fury Corps also uploaded a video in the post to further highlight Captain Fatima Wasim’s achievement and celebrate it.
"NATION FIRST"🇮🇳
Capt Fatima Wasim of #SiachenWarriors creates history by becoming the First Woman Medical Officer to be deployed on an operational post on the Siachen Glacier. She was inducted to a post at an altitude of 15200 feet after undergoing rigorous training at… pic.twitter.com/u5EovNNu1Y
Earlier this month, Captain Geetika Koul from the Snow Leopard Brigade became the first woman medical officer of the Indian Army to be deployed at the world’s highest battlefield, Siachen, after completing the induction training at Siachen Battle School.
Siachen Glacier is known as the highest-altitude battle site in the world and is situated near the Indo-Pak Line of Control.
It is the largest glacier in India and the second-largest in the world. It is the highest battleground on earth.
Back to Saria Abbasi’s story: she is a graduate of Genetic Engineering and joined the army four years ago. She said she had no interest in engineering and was always dreaming of becoming an army officer as some of her relatives were. She was attracted to donning the olive green after listening to the stories of valour from her ‘fauji’ relatives.
Capt Abbasi with L70 Gun (released by Army)
She rejected all the job offers from big companies and focused on clearing the Combined Defence Service (CDS) competitive examination conducted by the UPSC for taking in officers for the Military.
There were only 12 seats for women and Saria cleared her examination in her second attempt. After passing the ongoing interviews held over several tours, she was selected for the training that is considered to be the toughest of all.
source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Stories / by ATV / posted by Aasha Khosa / January 30th, 2024
Mosques in Hindi heartland states are an exclusive male preserve. Though Islam doesn’t barentry of women into mosques, they are scrupulously kept away from the holy precincts all across north India. But Amber Mosque in the outskirts of Lucknow challenges this shibboleth. It was founded and built by Ms. Shaista Ambar, a social activist from Lucknow who wouldn’t take such taboos lying down.
Wife of a bureaucrat in Uttar Pradesh, Shaista conceived the idea of a mosque where women could also offer namaz alongside men, in 1995. As a young woman, Shaista would take up social causes during the 1980s and 90s. Construction of a mosque was certainly not on her mental screen. But the rebel in her got awakened when she took a child inside a mosque to introduce him to the collective prayers.
For the imam the sight of woman inside the mosque was no less than a sacrilege. She was ordered out. The outrageous behaviour left a deep imprint on her. Beating a hasty retreat, she vowed to build a mosque where both men and women could pray. She drove straight to Nadwatul Uloom, the world famous centre of Islamic learning in Lucknow seeking an audience with Maulana Ali Miyan, the 7th Chancellor of the seminary and a world re nowned scholar of Islam.
The revered Maulana signalled her to go ahead pledging his full support. Pouring the family’s savings, a 26,000 square feet plot of land was bought in Teli Bagh, 15 kms away from the city centre on the road going to Rae Bareli. She sold away her car and ornaments to raise the required funds. The move gathered support from wider circle of relatives and acquaintances.
Lo and behold! The mosque came up opposite the trauma care centre of the Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences. And it was none other than Maulana Ali Miyan Nadwi who presided over the consecration of the mosque in 1999. (He passed away on December 31, 1999). The mosque can host a congregation of over a thousand persons on a Friday when doughty Shaista Amber ensures her weekly presence.
She presides over the committee taking care of the mosque as the chief mutawalli with several other members of the family. She has resolutely stood against traditional maulvis taking over the management of the mosque. There have been pleas to start a madrassa (Islamic theological school) within the precincts.
She has declined permission and has instead started a dharamshala (stay-homes for wayfarers) within the boundary of the mosque where women attendants of inmates at the Sanjay Gandhi Institute find accommodation at a very reasonable rent. And they could belong to any faith. She says Uttar Pradesh has several thousands of madrassas but no dharamshalas and other such key civic facilities set up by Muslims.
The mosque is open for namaz to Sunnis as well as Shias, the major sects within Muslims. The mosque also runs a counselling centre where family disputes, mainly post-marital, are referred for resolution. Shaista has had differences with the All India Muslim Personal Law Board on several issues pertaining to women’s rights in Islam.
Critical about the rigidity on its outmoded stances, she and several of her supporters set up the All India Muslim Women Personal Law Board nearly a decade ago. The Board has appreciated the law banning the practice of triple talaq at one sitting and has suggested several progressive reforms. One who completed her graduation from the Aligarh Muslim University and later acquired Adib and Kamil certificates, Shaista has willed that her two daughters and son would look after the management of the mosque after her passing away.
Shaista came visiting Bengaluru last May at the invitation of the Azim Premji University for a seminar where this author had a chance meeting as a participant. Log onto www.shaista ambar.com for an overview of her vision and activities.
source: http://www.newstrailindia.com / News Trail / Home / by M A Siraj / October 19th, 2025
Amid our fast-paced lives, there exists a remarkable group of individuals who believe in slow, steady, and consistent efforts to create meaningful change.
These individuals are known as changemakers—people who quietly dedicate themselves to bettering society, far from the spotlight and the noise of daily routine.
They don’t seek fame or recognition. Instead, they focus on making a positive impact in their communities. Often unheard of, these changemakers influence others through their actions, values, and vision for a better world.
Awaz–The Voice is proud to launch a special series starting this Sunday, spotlighting Indian Muslim changemakers of India.
Through their inspiring stories, we aim to shine a light on individuals whose work exemplifies compassion, dedication, and innovation.
Our editorial team has carefully selected these changemakers based on several parameters, including the authenticity of their efforts and the tangible impact they have made.
These are everyday heroes who are addressing pressing social, environmental, and economic challenges—often with limited resources but unwavering commitment.
They are improving access to education, healthcare, and sanitation; they are empowering women, protecting the environment, and uplifting their communities—all without expecting any rewards or recognition. For them, the satisfaction of doing good is reward enough.
Their actions may seem small, but their impact is profound. As the saying goes, “Every drop counts in making an ocean.” Each changemaker is a vital part of the wave of progress that is quietly transforming India.
One of our key criteria in identifying these individuals was whether they are creating tangible change or inspiring others to become changemakers themselves. For us, a changemaker is someone who brings positivity into the world through innovative solutions, leadership, and a commitment to improving lives and systems.
In a world that often celebrates loud success, we believe it’s important to pause and acknowledge those who uphold the highest ideals of humanity. These changemakers serve as a moral compass, reminding us of our own responsibilities to society and to one another.
We begin our series with changemakers from Uttar Pradesh, featuring stories like that of Capt. Saria Abbasi, who dreamt of joining the Indian Armed Forces from a young age. After earning her engineering degree and receiving multiple job offers, she chose instead to follow her dream and joined the Indian Army—becoming a role model for countless Muslim women aspiring to serve the nation. She has done challenging missions like serving at Indo-China border post at Tawang in October 2021.
Rubina Rashid Ali, who lives in Aligarh Muslim University’s campus has become a champion for women earning their livelihood out of applique (ornamental needlework in which pieces of fabric are sewn or stuck). She has stood up for them to ensure that these women from poor backgrounds get the wages they deserve.
The changemakers of India
Dr Farha Usmani, a medical practitioner who hails from Aligarh, went to US to pursue her career in the United Nations Population Fund in 2007. Leaving behind her family was a tough call for her. She is the only Muslim woman to have risen to the position of director in the UNFPA. Today, she is making world policies for women’s health and rights. She is the Vice President of SAFAR, an organization that is responsible for the overall advancement and rights of minority and marginalized women and girls in India.
Another inspiring figure is Babban Mian, a businessman who runs a large gaushala (cow shelter) in Bulandshahar, caring for hundreds of cows. Inspired by his late mother’s deep affection for animals, Babban Mian’s work also challenges stereotypes and promotes harmony by offering a different perspective on the Muslim community’s relationship with animal care.
Some of the changemakers will remind you of characters straight from Indian folklore and vernacular literature. People who have been nurtured by Indian civilizational values of compassion and selflessness.
Through these stories and many more, we hope to inspire our readers and celebrate the quiet revolution being led by changemakers who are shaping a better, more inclusive India.
We’d love to hear your thoughts on this series. Write to us at input@awazthevoice.in or engage with us on our social media platforms.
The author is the Editor-in-Chief of Awaz-the Voice portal
source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Stories / by Atir Khan, Editor-in-Chief, Awaz-the Voice portal / May 22nd, 2025
