This recognition reaffirms Mujeeb Syed’s role as an inspiring leader in New Zealand’s multicultural landscape.
Mujeeb Syed QSM
In a significant acknowledgment of his efforts to preserve linguistic and cultural heritage, journalist Mujeeb Syed—recipient of the Queen’s Service Medal (QSM)—was honored by Bhartiya Vidya Bhavan New Zealand for his outstanding contributions to the promotion of the Urdu language.
At a recent ceremony, Bhartiya Vidya Bhavan NZ presented Syed with a Certificate of Appreciation, recognizing his “Service to Heritage Language – Urdu.” The accolade celebrates his dedication to championing Urdu across communities in New Zealand, especially in Auckland.
Syed has long been a key figure in community media and cultural initiatives. Through organizing literary events, promoting Urdu education, and engaging diaspora communities via journalism and storytelling, he has played a pivotal role in preserving Urdu as a living, vibrant expression of South Asian identity in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Bhartiya Vidya Bhavan, an internationally respected institution promoting Indian culture and values, noted Syed’s commitment as exemplary. Attendees at the event praised his ability to unite generations and strengthen cultural bonds through language.
In his acceptance remarks, Syed said, “This honor is not just for me, but for every individual who believes in the power of language as a vessel of identity and expression. Urdu is a language of love, poetry, and deep heritage. I am humbled to play a small part in keeping it alive.”
This recognition reaffirms Mujeeb Syed’s role as an inspiring leader in New Zealand’s multicultural landscape, highlighting the vital importance of heritage languages in fostering social and cultural richness.
source: http://www.siasat.com / The Siasat Daily / Home> NRI’s Corner / May 21st, 2025
Famous Ice Cream has been cooling Hyderabad for over seven decades- one scoop at a time.
Image Source: Siasat.com/ Bushra Khan
In a city where history lives in its architecture, language and stories, food, too, becomes heritage. From biryani spots to chai spots, Hyderabad’s culinary map is filled with eateries that have served generations. So, when it comes to summer treats, it is only natural for Hyderabadis to have their favourite spots.
One such spot, quietly holding on to its legacy while serving countless bowls of nostalgia, is Famous Ice Cream, nestled in the grand arches of Moazzam Jahi Market. Established in 1951, this iconic parlour has been cooling Hyderabad for over seven decades- one scoop at a time.
Siasat.com got in conversation with the third-generation torchbearer of the beloved Famous Ice Cream parlour and relived the journey, from its humble beginnings to becoming a summer staple of Hyderabad.
Image Source: Siasat.com/ Bushra Khan
Three generations, one legacy
It all started with Mohammed Haleemuddin, who opened the shop at a time when ice cream was a rare sight in Hyderabad. His decision to set up at Moazzam Jahi Market was a strategic one- its proximity to Abids, which was then considered the city’s most happening area. “While Abids still bustles with activity today, it was the Jubilee Hills and Hitech City of the 1950s,” says Mohammed Mazhar, manager at Famous Ice Cream.
The parlour was passed down from Haleemuddin to his son Mohammed Azeemuddin, who poured his heart and soul into making Famous Ice Cream a big brand. Up until 2015, Azeem sustained the business and passed it down to his son, Mohammed Asimuddin, who continues to run the parlour with the same sincerity.
While generations changed, Famous Ice Cream did not change its legacy of keeping things fresh and natural.
Image Source: Siasat.com/ Bushra Khan
The charm of hand-churned ice cream
At a time when summer menus are filled with sundaes and fancy gelatos, Famous Ice Cream sticks to its roots, and that is exactly what keeps the crowd coming. Their hand-churned ice creams, made from seasonal fruits, cream and milk, are still the star of the show.
“In the early years, we served only fruit-based ice creams. Mango, of course, was and still is the best-selling flavour. Over time, the menu expanded to include various flavours like butterscotch, pista, and chocolate in ice cream bricks, cones and sundaes,” Mazhar tells Siasat.com.
But, the soul of the parlour remains in its rustic, fruit-forward offerings. Today, the hand-churned flavours include mango, chikoo, musk melon, custard apple, jamun, lychee, strawberry and more.
Hand churning machine at Famous Ice Cream (Image Source: Siasat.com/ Bushra Khan)
Hyderabad’s favourite scoop
Ask around, and you will hear stories of people making detours and patiently waiting on the white antique chairs for their scoop of nostalgia. At Moazzam Jahi Market, it is common to see grandparents introducing their grandkids to the same ice cream flavour they once enjoyed as children.
Furthermore, notable names are also fans of this parlour. “The Siasat family and the Farooqui family have been our regular patrons for decades, and they order from us for every important function”, he said.
There is a story behind the name, too. While no one knows exactly why it was named Famous, the reason has always been clear. “People used to call our ice cream ‘mashoor’, which means famous in Urdu,” says Mazhar, “and the name just stuck”.
A glimpse inside Famous Ice Cream’s freezer (Image Source: Siasat.com/ Bushra Khan)
Famous Ice Cream’s competition?
“There is no competition,” says Mazhar with a smile. While this can be mistaken for arrogance, it is actually a quiet assurance that comes from decades of trust and consistency.
Over the years, many ice cream parlours have sprouted in Moazzam Jahi Market, hoping to tap into the same footfall and nostalgia, but Famous Ice Cream remains unfazed. “Our customers know the difference. They come here for the taste, the memories and because they trust what goes in their bowl,” he says.
Famous Ice Cream is a testament to the fact that legacy and simplicity always stand the test of time.
source: http://www.siasat.com / The Siasat Daily / Home> Lifestyle / by Bushra Khan / April 17th, 2025
In an exclusive conversation with CXO News and APAC News Network, Dr Aman Basheer Sheikh, Co founder and Chief Medical Officer, Natfirst outlines how they are leveraging AI and data science to disrupt the health tech industry
NatFirst is the parent company of the TruthIn͏͏ app, India’s first consumer product intelligence app, which is the go-to source for understanding packaged food labels. It employs advanced AI,͏͏ including vision models and optical character recognition,͏͏ to͏͏ decode͏͏ product͏͏ labels͏͏ and͏͏ provides consumers with insights͏͏. It analyses the nutritional͏͏ content,͏͏ additives,͏͏ processing level and͏͏ ingredient͏͏ quality by decoding the information disclosed on food labels. A simple barcode scan allows users to access this information. At͏͏ the͏͏ heart͏͏ of͏͏ this͏͏ is͏͏ the͏͏ TruthIn͏͏ Rating͏͏ System,͏͏ which͏͏ translates͏͏ the data͏͏ from labels into͏͏ clear,͏͏ science-backed͏͏ health͏͏ scores.͏͏ These͏͏ insights͏͏ help͏͏ users͏͏ navigate͏͏ a͏͏ market͏͏ flooded͏͏ with͏͏ ultra-processed͏͏ foods͏͏ (UPFs)͏͏, ensuring͏͏ that they͏͏ can͏͏ confidently͏͏ distinguish͏͏ between͏͏ genuinely͏͏ healthy͏͏ options͏͏ and͏͏ deceptive marketing claims.
Natfirst comprises of a multi-disciplinary team of experienced doctors, nutritionists, and tech engineers. This team of experts has developed the TruthIn Rating System (TIRS) by studying best practices of global systems such as Nutri-Score, a nutrition labelling adopted by a few EU countries such as France, Belgium, Germany, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Spain and Switzerland. Other international systems studied include the Health Star Rating system used in Australia and NZ, and Nutri-Grade utilised in Singapore. It has also empanelled an advisory board of eminent multi-disciplinary experts who include, K. Sunitha Premalatha, MSC, RD, PHD, (Cancer Nutrition) and Padmashree awardee Dr Manjula Anagani MBBS, MD (Pathology), MD (Obstetrics & Gynecology), FICOG to ensure the TruthIn Rating methodology is as scientifically accurate as possible. Features in the TruthIn app such as the Match Meter help consumers access personalised guidance by aligning portion sizes with individual health goals, making choosing healthier products much easier.
The innovations͏͏ being developed at Natfirst coincide with the evolving needs of consumers and the demand for healthier, cleaner food products.͏͏ Unlike͏͏ the͏͏ USA or͏͏ EU,͏͏ India͏͏ lacks͏͏ a͏͏ centralized͏͏ database͏͏ of͏͏ packaged͏͏ food͏͏ products. This forced NatFirst͏͏ to build its product dataset͏͏s manually from͏͏ scratch which was a significant challenge but also differentiates Natfirst as one of the few startups in India with such an extensive database.͏͏ With millions of products circulating in the Indian market, the user base of TruthIn has also played an extremely vital͏͏ role in grassroots data͏͏ collection to͏͏ form͏͏ a͏͏ dynamic͏͏ database͏͏ of over͏͏ 16,000͏͏ products which is now set to grow exponentially.͏͏ In that sense, Natfirst is a pioneer in the Indian market with many industry firsts.
Natfirst has also differentiated itself by building a loyal community of users based on trust and consistently promotes its scientifically validated scoring system. Today its flagship product TruthIn, has more than 5 lakh downloads. The brand ambassador of TruthIn is Revant Himatsingka (Food Pharmer), a staunch promoter of scientifically validated information, who has embarked on a mission to educate the average Indian consumer on label literacy. The TruthIn Rating System (TIRS) was specifically designed to help consumers with the most accurate and validated information available to make healthier food choices.
Lastly, to accelerate the process of ensuring that consumers have access to transparent information about all the products, a feature innovation which is very technically challenging is currently being beta-tested. It will enable consumers to analyse products in real-time and TruthIn will become the first app globally to launch such a feature once it goes live.
The 2024 Healthy Snacking report showed that consumers In India are increasingly scrutinising labels. However, the findings of an ICMR NIN report highlighted͏͏ that͏͏ while͏͏ many͏͏ Indians͏͏ read͏͏ food labels,͏͏ they͏͏ rarely͏͏ look͏͏ beyond͏͏ manufacturing͏͏ and͏͏ expiry͏͏ dates—leaving͏͏ them͏͏ vulnerable͏͏ to͏͏ misinformation, unwanted additives͏͏ and͏͏ inaccurate claims.͏͏ This underscores the importance of tech-driven consumer-focused solutions like TruthIn to navigate hundreds of complex food labels that consumers encounter daily.
By analysing product labels͏͏ factoring in things like fats,͏͏ sugars,͏͏ salt,͏͏ chemical additives,͏͏ artificial flavourings, the͏͏ TruthIn͏͏ Rating͏͏ System͏͏ helps users understand their food better. The product rating system developed by TruthIn analyses a lot of complex information and distils it into a 0-5 score that is easily understandable and helps consumers save countless hours deciphering͏͏ complicated͏͏ labels.
An example of this is the flavoured͏͏ yoghurt category; which is very often͏͏ marketed͏͏ as͏͏ a healthy͏͏ snack. However, it may contain synthetic͏͏ colours such as e102, or͏͏ an excess of added sugar.͏͏ TruthIn͏͏ clearly lists all such information,͏͏ connects͏͏ it to͏͏ reputable͏͏ research,͏͏ and͏͏ offers͏͏ healthier alternatives.͏͏ By emphasising transparency, accuracy,͏͏ creation of simplified visuals and decoding complex jargon, TruthIn͏͏ empowers͏͏ consumers to cut͏͏ through any confusion while choosing products.
The importance of tech-driven tools such as TruthIn is becoming evident where over 11% of the population suffers from diabetes and 25% are classified as obese as per the ICMR. NatFirst͏͏ marries͏͏ cutting-edge͏͏ AI͏͏ with͏͏ the͏͏ insights͏͏ of͏͏ doctors,͏͏ nutritionists,͏͏ and͏͏ engineers͏͏ to͏͏ ensure͏͏ that͏͏ health͏͏ recommendations͏͏ are͏͏ both͏͏ scientifically͏͏ solid͏͏ and͏͏ easy͏͏ to͏͏ understand.͏͏ While͏͏ AI-driven͏͏ vision͏͏ models͏͏ decode͏͏ labels͏͏ in͏͏ real-time—exposing͏͏ harmful͏͏ additives͏͏ like͏͏ INS͏͏ 102,͏͏ a͏͏ coal-derived͏͏ dye͏͏ linked͏͏ to͏͏ hyperactivity—human͏͏ experts͏͏ validate͏͏ the͏͏ nutritional͏͏ frameworks͏͏ that͏͏ power͏͏ these͏͏ evaluations. The synergistic approach ensures the recommendations are accurate, easily understandable, and actionable. The nutritional framework under which the TruthIn Rating System (TIRS) has been developed by an expert team of nutritionists and doctors and output including the score is further validated by empanelled experts on an ongoing basis. This is the unique way in which TruthIn blend͏͏s human͏͏ expertise͏͏ and͏͏ AI͏͏ innovation͏͏ to help users͏͏ make͏͏ truly͏͏ informed͏͏ choices͏͏ tailored͏͏ to͏͏ their͏͏ unique͏͏ dietary requirements.
NatFirst͏͏ is͏͏ pushing͏͏ boundaries͏͏ by͏͏ developing͏͏ real-time͏͏ product͏͏ analysis͏͏ and͏͏ looking ahead integrating͏͏ it with Generative͏͏ AI͏͏ (GenAI)͏͏ for͏͏ conversational͏͏ interfaces is something we’re all looking forward to exploring.͏͏ GenAI will enhance the user experience by automating responses, providing instant feedback, and improving decision-making capabilities. This͏͏ will allow users to interact with it seamlessly for real-time guidance. This will solve for efficiency at scale enables͏͏ instant͏͏ insights͏͏ into͏͏ nutritional͏͏ content,͏͏ ingredient͏͏ implications,͏͏ and͏͏ personalized͏͏ dietary͏͏ recommendation. The tech architecture at Natfirst has been developed for quick category expansion to support the rapid addition of new product categories, ensuring timely updates to meet evolving user needs. Expanding͏͏ on the features of the MatchMeter͏͏ and͏͏ adding͏͏ more͏͏ nuanced͏͏ dietary͏͏ filters͏͏ will͏͏ help͏͏ users͏͏ navigate͏͏ the͏͏ explosive͏͏ growth͏͏ of͏͏ UPFs͏͏ and͏ aid consumers to make much more informed decisions.͏͏
By͏͏ staying͏͏ at͏͏ the͏͏ forefront͏͏ of͏͏ AI-driven͏͏ transparency,͏͏ NatFirst͏͏ aspires͏͏ to͏͏ set͏͏ new͏͏ industry͏͏ standards͏͏ and͏͏ guide͏͏ Indian͏͏ consumers͏͏ toward͏͏ healthier,͏͏ more͏͏ informed͏͏ choices. By focusing on these priorities, NatFirst will ensure it stays ahead of trends while remaining aligned with its vision of enabling healthier, more informed choices.
source: http://www.apacnewsnetwork.com / APAC Media / Home> Healthcare & Wellbeing> Interview / by Bhavya Bagga, APAC News Network / December 21st, 2024
Dr Mohammed Abdul Saleem, a distinguished Hyderabadi NRI and dental surgeon, has been appointed as the chairman of the Indian International School in Jeddah (IISJ), one of the largest Indian community schools in Saudi Arabia.
Dr Saleem formally assumed charge on Monday in the presence of school officials and management committee members. He succeeds Dr Hemalatha Mahalingan, who completed her tenure and made history as the first woman to head a community-run Indian school in the Kingdom.
A prominent figure in the expatriate Indian community in Jeddah, Dr Saleem has been actively involved in the school’s management. IISJ, established in 1969, serves the academic needs of the Indian expatriate community and is affiliated with the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE). The school, which has over 10,000 students, is recognized for its academic excellence and was among the first to introduce Telugu as an optional language for students.
Dr Saleem’s appointment is expected to bring further advancements to the institution, strengthening its commitment to quality education and community service.
source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Education> Latest News / by Radiance News Bureau / February 26th, 2025
Exhibition showcases rare literary treasures, including 1937 Osmania University textbook and 1931 Urdu translation of Goethe’s Faust.
Rare books and manuscripts on display at exhibition in Hyderabad
Hyderabad:
Book lovers and history enthusiasts in Hyderabad were in for a rare treat as The Kabikaj Foundation in collaboration with the Deccan Archives Foundation hosted an exhibition of rare books and manuscripts on Friday, February 7.
The exhibition took place at Thrivesome Cafe and Community, Jubilee Hills which showcased a curated selection of literary treasures, including a 1937 Osmania University history textbook, a 1931 Urdu translation of Goethe’s Faust, Masnavis of Maulana Rumi works from the historic Nawal Kishore Publications, and rare prints from Hyderabad’s now-extinct presses.
The exhibition was organised to commemorate the birth anniversary of renowned Hyderabad poet Riasat Ali Taaj (1930–1999). The exhibition featured a curated selection of books from his collection, preserved by his family and presented by his grandson, founder of The Kabikaj Foundation, Riasath Ali Asrar.
Rare literary gems on display at Hyderabad exhibition
The Hyderabad exhibition showcased a remarkable collection of rare books and manuscripts, including:
A mid-1900s Urdu typewriter (Remington Portable 5), a rare artefact highlighting the evolution of Urdu script in typewriting technology
A 100-year-old Masnavi of Mawlana Rumi, Mirat-ul-Masnavi, published by Azam Steam Press, Hyderabad
A 1937 history textbook for matriculation, from Osmania University, featuring a 1937 South Asia map and the original Osmania University logo
Early and first editions of Urdu translations of Goethe’s Faust and Conan Doyle’s The Poison Belt from the early 1900s.
Rare lexicons, including:
Farhang-e-Asafiya (1970)
Dakhni Urdu ki Lughat (1969)
Lughat un Nisa (1917)
Kalaam-e-Nanak ma’ Farhang (1970)
Ruq‘at-e-Alamgeeri, a collection of letters by Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, published in Hyderabad in 1911, with references to the first Asaf Jah of the Asaf Jahi dynasty.
An 1893 Ottoman-era Arabic edition of Alf Laylah wa Laylah (The Arabian Nights), published in Egypt.
Nawal Kishore publications, including:
Singhasan Batteesi (a collection of Indian folklore, 1953).
Masnavi-e-Bustan of Saadi Shirazi (a 150-year-old edition).
Tulsi Das’s Ramayan in Perso-Arabic script, published in 1913.
Justice Syed Mahmood’s Urdu translation of the 1872 Law of Evidence Act, published in 1893.
Transactions of the Indian History Congress: Fifth Hyderabad Session (1941) and The Hyderabad Code (1951).
A mid-1900s Urdu typewriter (Remington Portable 5), a rare artefact highlighting the evolution of Urdu script in typewriting technology.
A mid-1900s Urdu typewriter (Remington Portable 5) (Photo: By Arrangement)
Young Urdu poet Riasath Ali Asrar provided a detailed commentary on each book, guiding visitors through their historical and literary significance.
As part of the Kabikaaj Foundation’s ongoing efforts to raise funds for book preservation, a series of postcards featuring artwork and inscriptions from the rare books on display were available for purchase at the Hyderabad exhibition. Those with a passion for history, preserving culture and literature would be able to take home a unique piece of literary history which would in turn help in supporting the foundation’s vital work in archiving, digitising, and restoring rare manuscripts.
A series of postcards featuring artwork and inscriptions from the rare books on display (Photo: By Arrangement
Established in Hyderabad in December 2021, The Kabikaj Foundation is dedicated to preserving and promoting rare books and manuscripts of literary, cultural, historical, academic, religious, and traditional significance, organising exhibitions and events bringing together people with similar passion.
source: http://www.siasat.com / The Siasat Daily / Home> News> Hyderabad / by News Desk X / February 08th, 2025
Syeda Farhath Fatima, Founder and CEO of Pluslove.in, is a role model for many young people. She is currently a first-year BCA student at Saketa Degree College and a member of incubator cohort A-23.
Plus Love is a plus-size-focused clothing brand based in India. “WE CREATE, CRAFT, AND CUSTOMIZE CLOTHES.” At Pluslove.in, they are dedicated to providing an exceptional and empowering fashion experience for individuals of all sizes. One standout feature is their custom design service, allowing you to become the designer of your own fashion journey.
The Interesting Journey of Entrepreneur Syeda Farhath Fatima
In today’s world, it’s challenging to find plus-size clothing. Syeda noticed her loved ones who were a little overweight struggling to find the perfect fit, and she thought, “Why am I not doing anything for them?” or as the saying goes, “Jaha chah hai waha rah hai” (Where there is a will, there is a way).
“Business Development Service EdVenturepark opened an application for cohort A23, and I applied for it. Alhamdulillah (praise be to the almighty), I got selected. I knew about EdVenturepark since my time at Code for India Foundation, where I was learning data analysis with machine learning. So, yes, I’m a data analyst too. My journey started during the 3-month cohort at Code for India when I completed my course in data analysis. Then I applied for the EVP pre-incubation program. A person like me, without business knowledge, still had that spark to do something for people and solve their problems, which led to the creation of the clothing brand Pluslove.”
“It is true that everyone has problems, and it is also true that every problem has a solution. If this is the reality of life, then why not focus on solutions rather than problems.”
Pluslove.in is a size-inclusive clothing brand where you can find your perfect fit. They provide stylish, designer ready-to-wear clothes. They create, craft, and customize just for you. Their goal is to see smiles on their customers’ faces and boost their confidence. They believe that what we wear can make us feel better, more comfortable, and more confident.
One of their standout features is the customization service, allowing you to become the designer of your own fashion journey.
Challenges Faced on the Journey
Syeda faced numerous challenges while building her brand, such as being unfamiliar with the textile industry and struggling to find fabric and tailors. She was the sole person responsible for end-to-end tasks in the company and had to oversee every aspect.
Throughout this journey from a raw idea to Pluslove.in, her mother (Ammi) provided immense support and encouragement. She is deeply grateful to her mother and her family members, especially her aunt, siblings, and her mama.
Syeda also mentioned Meraj Faheem sir, who gave her the opportunity at “EdVenturepark” where she fulfilled her dream. Her dream and passion to solve people’s problems in finding their perfect fit were supported by Ilyas sir, who was always there for her when she needed help, and her friend Huda Hajera, her entire EVP team, and her fellow A23 cohort mates.
She expressed her feelings of joy, saying, “I’m very grateful to have such people in my life. Thank you, everyone, for being a part of my life.”
Soon, they will be launching their catalog and opening up opportunities for designers, tailors, and B2B collaborations.
Their mission is to empower women by providing employment opportunities without the need for education certificates or degrees, focusing solely on skills that enhance creativity and innovative ideas. Training facilities are also available for students and others.
For more details or inquiries, please contact +91 9390782010, Email ID: farhath@pluslove.in
source: http://www.thehindustangazette.com / The Hindustan Gazette / Home> News> Motivational Story / by Shifa / October 26th, 2023
MANUU VC Syed Ainul Hasan presenting mementos to Lakshmi Devi Raj, Shahid Husain Zuberi, Mazhar uz Zaman Khan, Syed Jafar Amir Rizvi, and Oudesh Rani Bawa
Hyderabad:
Urdu lovers exist and MANUU will bring them to its platform and honour them, said Prof. Syed Ainul Hasan, Vice-Chancellor, Maulana Azad National Urdu University (MANUU).
He was honoring five eminent personalities from Hyderabad as “Sitara-e-Urdu” (Doyens of Urdu). The university presented Lakshmi Devi Raj, Syed Jafar Amir Rizvi, Shahid Husain Zuberi, Oudesh Rani Bawa and Mazhar uz Zaman Khan with a memento, a shawl, and a flower plant in recognition of their contribution towards Urdu language, literature and culture on Monday.
The ‘Sitara-e-Urdu’ programme was organized by Centre for Urdu Culture Studies on the occasion of Teacher’s Day at CPDUMT auditorium.
source: http://www.siasat.com / The Siasat Daily / Home> News> Hyderabad / by News Desk X / September 05th, 2022
Khammam district Collector Muzammil Khan stepped beyond formalities to sit down on the floor with students to interact with them during his inspection of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Centenary Social Welfare Residential Girls’ Junior College.
The Collector’s gesture created an open and approachable atmosphere. The interaction was marked by genuine curiosity and encouragement as Muzammil Khan listened to their aspirations and challenges.
This simple yet heartfelt gesture bridged the gap between authority and youth, inspiring the students to share their thoughts with confidence. The Collector advised students to utilise educational opportunities to achieve great heights.
The Collector reviewed online coaching for IIT and JEE and emphasised providing expert career guidance. He discussed improving facilities, addressing issues like insufficient toilets and kitchen leaks and suggested setting up gym equipment and planting greenery as batch markers. He encouraged students to focus on their goals, support others after achieving success, and maintain good health. The visit concluded with the Collector and officials joining students for lunch.
Muzammil Khan, an IAS officer of 2017 batch, is son of Abdul Khayyum Khan, retired Indian Police Service (IPS) officer, who served as Director General of Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB).
Muzammil Khan had secured 22nd rank at all India level and top rank in Telangana in UPSC exam.
After retirement Abdul Khayyum Khan had also served as the advisor to the state government during BRS rule.
Muzammil’s grandfather Abdul Kareem Khan was also an IAS officer.
source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Latest News> Report / by Radiance News Bureau / January 21st, 2025
Little girls and boys carrying the school bags also rush to the Masjids along with the believers but with twin objectives – Namaz and Tuition.
After Salah, children move to the Masjid’s basement in three different rooms, where they are taught Mathematics, English and Telugu by different tutors.
Usually one associates Masjids with learning of theological subjects – Arabic, Quran and Urdu. But at Masjid-e-Meraj, the things are different. They are now after-school Mohalla tuition centres.
It was initiated by The Quran Foundation (TQF), a non-profit organisation run by a team of professionals working in the field of information technology, education and healthcare.
Neighbourhood networks play a crucial role. Masjid management committees, tutors and students are drawn from within Masjids’ neighbourhood. The committee ensures regular attendance, quality tuition and timely discussions about performance of both students and tutors.
Syed Munawwar, TQF general secretary, says there are 2500 students studying in 50 Masjids across Telangana. Most of them are either students of government schools or low-cost private schools, popularly known as budget schools that have a mushroom growth in Hyderabad.
The idea, conceptualised in 2020 in consultation with Masjid management committees, is to have free tuition classes for the students who find it difficult to pay school fees and can’t afford private tuitions.
WhattsApp groups for parents and tutors are created. Information connecting to the students’ performance is shared with parents. Regular attendance is ensured by incentive prizes. Closer ties between tutors, students, parents and Masjid committees create a conducive atmosphere in neighbourhoods. Comprehension about core subjects has improved in the students.
TQF, headquartered in Hyderabad, is a registered non-profit organisation committed to fostering the educational, economic, social, and cultural advancement of marginalised and underprivileged communities.
TQF operates in collaboration with other NGOs, combining efforts and resources to implement programmes that resonate with core objectives. Through collective action, they strive to enhance livelihoods, nurture intellects, and catalyse positive transformation within society.
Educational development, economic development, social development, health and wellbeing are the core areas TQF works in.
source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Focus / by Radiance News Bureau / December 13th, 2024
