Tag Archives: Positive News of Muslims of India

Lal Mohammad Badshah’s unwavering devotion towards the clean Ganga

Amazing Feats, Community Involvement / Social Issues, Environment Initiatives / Green Heroes (wef. June 10th, 2025), Heroes / Heroines - Ordinary Daily Life Citizens, Uniquely Indian - Inter Faith (wef. February 08th, 2023), , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Bithoor (near Kanpur) , UTTAR PRADESH :

AI-generated image of Lal Mohammad Badshah and his volunteers

Every Sunday morning, a group of volunteers gathers on the banks of the Ganga in Bithoor, near Kanpur in Uttar Pradesh. Armed with bags and baskets, they pick up garbage, plastic waste, discarded offerings, and other debris from the river and its ghats.

Leading this weekly mission is Lal Mohammad Badshah, a man whose life has become synonymous with the protection of the sacred river. For the past 35 years, he has dedicated himself to keeping the Ganga clean. A Muslim by faith, Badshah gave up a well-paying government job, chose to remain unmarried, and devoted his life to serving the river he reveres as Mother Ganga. A few years ago, he even stopped wearing footwear as a mark of respect for the river.

Known locally as the “Guardian of the Ganga,” Lal Mohammad Badshah has broken religious stereotypes and emerged as a symbol of environmental conservation and communal harmony.

Bithoor occupies a special place in Hindu tradition. According to Sanatan beliefs, it is the birthplace of Luv and Kush, the sons of Lord Ram. It is also believed that Maharshi Valmiki composed the Ramayana here. The shrine of Mata Sita Ki Rasoi (Mother Sita’s Kitchen) continues to attract thousands of pilgrims and tourists from across the country.

The Ganga flows past 52 ghats in Bithoor, drawing a steady stream of devotees who come to take a holy dip in its waters. It is this sacred landscape that has become the centre of Lal Mohammad Badshah’s devotion and life’s work.

Sharing his journey with Awaz-The Voice, Badshah said, “I had a secure and well-paying job at a government fertiliser plant. Life was comfortable. But my attachment and reverence for Maa Ganga grew so strong that I decided to leave everything behind and dedicate my life to her service.”

After resigning from his job, he committed himself fully to the cleanliness and protection of the river.

To carry forward his mission, Badshah formed the Ganga Suraksha Dal (Ganga Protection Squad), a group of eight to ten local volunteers. Every Sunday, members of the squad gather at the ghats and undertake extensive cleanliness drives.

As news of their efforts spread, people from neighbouring districts, including Unnao, began joining the campaign. What started as a small initiative has gradually evolved into a community movement.

The group’s work extends beyond cleaning the river and its banks. Members also keep a vigil against poachers and work to protect fish and other aquatic life in the Ganga.

Despite the growing support, Lal Mohammad Badshah has never accepted donations for his mission.

A practising Muslim who is often seen wearing a skullcap, Badshah earns his livelihood by operating a small tourist boat on the Ganga. After leaving his government job, he turned to ferrying pilgrims and visitors along the river.

His boat, furnished with mattresses and cushions, offers tourists a comfortable ride while introducing them to the spiritual and historical significance of Bithoor. The modest income from these rides sustains both his personal needs and his environmental campaign.

Visitors are often surprised to hear him greet people with “Ganga Maiya Ki Jai” (Hail Mother Ganga).

When asked how fellow Muslims reacted to his devotion to the river, Badshah replied, “Faith and devotion are matters of personal conviction. I have a spiritual connection with the Ganga.”

He recalls that in the beginning, some people from his community mocked him and questioned his actions. However, as they witnessed his sincerity, selflessness, and dedication, attitudes began to change.

“Today,” he says, “people respect the work we are doing. Service to humanity and nature is above all divisions.”

Over the years, Badshah’s story has gained widespread attention on social media, where thousands of people have praised his commitment and spirit of service.

Among the many tributes, social media user F.S. Parmar described him as a “King of Kings.” Manoj Kumar wrote that while water cleanses the body, truth purifies the mind, knowledge refines the intellect, and righteousness elevates the soul.

Ashish Sharma commented that true strength lies in devotion and service, while Rajendra Chauhan described Badshah as a “Badshah” (King) not only in name but also in character.

Another user, Rajat, offered a heartfelt prayer: “May Allah grant you a long life, and may Mother Ganga always keep you safe in her embrace.”

Pankaj Thapliyal observed that the Ganga is not merely a religious symbol but a life-giving river for all humanity. Sunita Kumari compared Lal Mohammad Badshah to historical figures such as Raskhan and Rahim—Muslim poets who became celebrated devotees of Lord Krishna.

Today, the historic Rani Lakshmi Bai Ghat in Bithoor has become the Badshah’s permanent base. He spends most of his day there, overseeing cleanliness efforts, meeting visitors, and sharing his message of environmental stewardship and communal harmony.

For many who visit Bithoor, Lal Mohammad Badshah is no longer just a boatman or a volunteer. He has become a living example of how devotion, service, and love for nature can transcend religious boundaries and bring communities together.

source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Stories / by Malick Asghar Hashmi, New Delhi / June 10th, 2026

Prof Shabina Nishat Omar: A celebrity academician-administrator of West Bengal

Education, Leaders, Women/Girls(since May26-2021), , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

WEST BENGAL :

Professor Shabina Nishat Omar

In the broad landscape of society, administration, education, and culture in West Bengal, the progress of Muslim women has ushered in a new chapter today. Overcoming long-standing social barriers, superstition, and gender-based discrimination, they are now taking positions of leadership. One of the brightest faces of this transformation is Professor Shabina Nishat Omar, whose life journey stands as a remarkable example of women’s self-empowerment in modern society.

Active in the academic world for more than 25 years, Prof Omar is not only an educator but also a skilled administrator, inspiring speaker, and fluent multilingual presenter.

She is currently serving as Officer on Special Duty (OSD) in the Directorate of Higher Education under the Government of West Bengal.

Professor Shabina Nishat Omar – the woman of substance

At the same time, her academic leadership as Head of the English Department at Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose College is equally commendable.

An important chapter of her professional career was her 19 years of teaching at Milli Al-Ameen College for Women, as Principal-in-Charge for 15 years.

During this time, she played a major role in transforming the institution into a modern, well-organized, and student-friendly campus.

Beyond administrative excellence, Professor Omar’s multidimensional activities have given her a distinct identity. She is a skilled debater, eloquent speaker, and outstanding reciter, through which she has expressed her views on various national and international platforms.

Professor Shabina Nishat Omar (Third from left) at a College function

Her active involvement in promoting women’s empowerment, digital education, gender studies, and inclusive education has established her as an influential thinker in contemporary society.

Her presence in seminars, workshops, and academic platforms carries a powerful message for the younger generation—that education is not merely a profession, but one of the strongest tools for social transformation. As a speaker and trainer, she emphasizes leadership development, women’s self-reliance, language proficiency, and strategies to address modern social challenges.

In recognition of her contributions, she has received several honours, including the Damini SHE Award and the Disrupt Women’s Leadership Award.

Her nomination to the International Visitor Leadership Program of the United States Department of State further strengthened the international recognition of her work.

At present, she is also actively involved in several administrative and academic responsibilities associated with University of Calcutta.

Professor Shabina Nishat Omar

As Bursar and Internship Nodal Officer at the college level, her initiatives in connecting students with practical education are especially noteworthy.

The journey of Professor Shabina Nishat Omar is not merely a story of personal success; it is a blueprint of women’s self-establishment in modern society. Personalities like her prove that with the right vision, dedication to education, and commitment to society, a woman not only creates her own place but also opens the path for others.

Her presence on seminar stages is not just participation as a speaker—it is a source of inspiration, where a woman firmly establishes her position in modern society through knowledge, experience, and leadership.

source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Success Story / by Shompi Chakraborty Purkayas / June 09th , 2026

Taufiq Mohammad who saved lives during 26/11, says hang Rana

Amazing Feats, Community Involvement / Social Issues, Heroes / Heroines - Ordinary Daily Life Citizens, Uniquely Indian - Inter Faith (wef. February 08th, 2023), , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Mumbai, MAHARASHTRA :

Mohammad Toufiq (Picture grabbed from ANI’s video posted on X)

When Pakistani terrorists targeted Nariman House, Cama Hospital, Taj Hotel, Oberoi Hotel, Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, and Leopold Cafe on 11 November, 20 16 years ago, killing 166 people, Mohammad Taufiq Sheikh was one of the lucky persons to have narrowly missed the terrorists’ bullet.

Now famous as Chotu Chaiwala, as he continues to sell tea in front of St. George Hospital, he gets into a pensive mood at the mention of Tahawwur Rana, one of the key planners of the attack who has been extradited to India from the US to face trial.

Toufiq saved many lives as he was present at the Railway station on that fateful day.

Recently, on knowing that Tahawvur Rana was brought to India after 16 years, he said, “He should not be given any relief; instead, hang him.”

Taufiq Mohammad, an eyewitness to the 26/11 attack, looked upset. He said, “The government should not him any facility as he is the main culprit of 26/11. He is not a hero; he is a beast. In the attack, someone’s mother, sister, brother, or father was killed. He should not be shown mercy and should be lodged in a separate cell, the government should take strict action against him. The government should hang this terrorist within 15 days.”

Taufiq said, “The government should make a separate law to take action against terrorists. Pakistan still gives shelter to terrorists as a result the common people also suffer. Punish Rana so severely that the rest of the terrorists start trembling with fear.”

A terrorist has no caste or religion. He should only be called a terrorist, Taufiq says.

“Rana and I have the same religion. Rana, in the name of religion, helped those people who fired bullets at innocent people. Islam does not teach to kill anyone. Islam gives the message of peace and love. Shedding blood in the name of religion is not the teaching of religion. We are proud to be Indian Muslims. Every terrorist should get severe punishment.”

Pakistani terrorists were killing people mercilessly. The entire station was silent. People were saving their lives. No one was there to help them. Talking about that time, Taufiq says, “Seeing the guns with them, I first thought they were commandos. But they were killing people mercilessly. They were not humans, they were monsters. One of them (Kasab) was coming towards me. He abused me. I thought I would be killed too.”

He further says, “The glass of doors and windows were broken due to the firing. The entire station was filled with blood. People were struggling to save their lives. Many people were injured. I wanted to save the injured people. I put the injured people on a cart and took them to St. George Hospital and Byculla Railway Hospital. In this way, many people’s lives were saved.”

This incident was terrifying, but Taufiq handled the situation with courage. Keeping humanity at the top, he saved people’s lives without looking at caste or religion. For this, he was given 27 rewards and some financial help.

Taufiq says, “On the night of 26/11, I went to the railway station to collect money for tea. There were more than 4000 people there. There was a rush to buy tickets, so the ticket master asked me to collect the money after a while. I stood outside the station. I still remember, that day a cricket match between India and England was going on. After a while, suddenly I heard a loud firecracker-like sound from inside the station.”Toufiq continues to sell chai at the same place.

source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Success-Story / by Fazal Pathan, Mumbai / April 16th, 2025

Moinul Haque provides healthcare, education to 300 brick kiln workers’ families

Amazing Feats, Business & Economy, Community Involvement / Social Issues, , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Chokapara-Naoda Village (Bilashipara subdivision, Dhubri District), ASSAM :

Moinul Haque at his brick kiln

Moinul Haque of village Bilashipara in Dhubri district of western Assam once lived in appalling poverty and even had to go hungry on many days. Having worked his way to a better life, this man in his late forties is now providing livelihood to 300 families but also ensuring they get basic amenities of life.

Owner of a brick kiln that he set up to address acute poverty in village Takimari, Ranigunj, a Muslim village of Assam

Not only he pays wages to his workers, but he also provides them with the basic facilities of education and health, and he also ensures drinking water, healthcare, and education for the children of brick kiln workers.

In a conversation with Awaz -The Voice, the soft-spoken Moinul Haque alias Baltuk said that as a child he had to work hard to survive.

Brick Kiln owned by Moinul Haque

He was born in Chokapara-Naoda, a backward village in the Lakshiganj area of the Bilashipara subdivision. His father, Sabed Ali, a fish trader, and his mother, Manuwara Bibi, a domestic help, had many dreams for their children yet no means to fulfill them.

Moinul’s parents enrolled him in a nearby government primary school even as the sustenance of a family comprising two sons and four daughters was getting difficult for  Sabed Ali.

As luck would have it, Sabed Ali’s health started falling.

“It was difficult for us to support a family of eight and take care of my father. As a result, sometimes we had to go to sleep hungry. One day, I finally dropped out of school due to poverty. I was eight years old.

“I was thinking about how I could support my family. I started baking papad at the street corners and selling them. After making some money, I started selling betel nuts (Tamol) along with papad on a table perched on the roadside,” he said.

 Within 3-4 years, he expanded his small shop into a grocery store.

Moinul was just beginning to flourish in his trade when his father, Sabed Ali became paralyzed. Now he got worried about the fate of his family.

However, Moinul kept his focus on business and started trading fish.

An under-construction building in which Moinul Haque is involved in

He bought fish from Hatipota, Tilapara, Shalkocha, and other areas riding an old bicycle in the wee hours of the day. He sold it in Bilashipara and Beltali markets.

He did well and after some time, he expanded trading to sand, stone chips, and timber.

 At the age of 20, Moinul got married.

He managed to marry all his sisters within five years. He also worked as an associate of various construction contractors. However, his hunger for success did not end there.

Alongside his business, he also volunteered to get associated with various social activities. He realized that the people of western Assam, especially the Muslims, were backward in many facets of life.

He set up a brick kiln at His enterprise has provided livelihood to about 300 families in the area. Most of these families are economically backward Muslims.

He also provided these families with basic facilities like healthcare, hygienic drinking water, and education.

source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Stories / by Malati Sarmar, Bilashipara / March 21st, 2023

Muslims remember Hafiz Manzoor as a leader who worked for youth

Community Involvement / Social Issues, Leaders, , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Mumbai , Pune / MAHARASHTRA :

Hafiz Manzoor, the Maharashtra Amir (head), Tablighi Jamaat,

Mumbai :

The passing of Hafiz Manzoor, the Maharashtra Amir (head) of the global Islamic reformist movement Tablighi Jamaat, is being mourned as a profound loss for the entire Muslim community. He had dedicated his life to the service of the faith, for the betterment of society, and the service of humanity.

Hafiz Manzoor, who was in his nineties. was laid to rest at the Nigdi cemetery in Pimpri-Chinchwad with thousands of his followers attending the burial on Monday night.

Hafiz Manzoor was active till the very last. He had arrived in Pune on Sunday night and offered his pre-dawn Tahajjud and Fajr prayers.

Following the Fajr prayers, he suddenly felt dizzy inside the mosque where he lived.

He was rushed to the hospital for treatment, where the doctors declared him dead. but was declared dead upon arrival. According to his close associates, he fasted on Mondays and Thursdays, and he was fasting on the day of his death.

Hafiz Manzoor always inspired the youth to acquire a good education, cultivate excellent morals, and walk on the righteous path. His hard work, simplicity, concern for the Ummah, and his unique ability to connect people will always be remembered.

Maulana Saad, the Indian head of the Tablighi Jamaat, and his son specially attended the funeral to pay their last respects. Hafiz Manzoor, who was in his 90s, passed away yesterday (May 18) in Pune. His passing has sent a wave of mourning across the Muslim community in Maharashtra.

Staying away from fame and any kind of ostentation, he dedicated his entire life to social reform and religious service.

Thousands of his followers from all over the country arrived in Pune on Monday night. His mortal remains were kept at the Fatima Masjid for people to pay their final respects.

The mourners moved in complete discipline and peace from the mosque to the cemetery, a true way to pay tribute to a man of religion whose life was an epitome of simplicity.

Residing at the Fatima Masjid in Pune, he served the religion and society for several decades. He worked tirelessly throughout his life to keep the youth away from addiction and to raise awareness against the dowry system in society.

He always strongly advocated for marriages and other ceremonies to be conducted with utmost simplicity. His passing is seen as a massive loss to the community, with many expressing the sentiment of losing a true guiding light.

For the uninitiated, Tablighi Jamaat is a global Sunni Islamic reformist and spiritual movement. The movement was started in 1926 by Maulana Muhammad Ilyas Kandhlawi in the Mewat region of India.

The primary objective of this movement is to bring Muslims back to their fundamental religious values and teachings. They place heavy emphasis on offering regular prayers and living a simple life.

The group stays away from politics, social controversies, and publicity. Its members dedicate a specific number of days to travel from village to village and mosque to mosque, reminding their fellow Muslims to walk on the path of faith.

Within this movement, there is a head designated to guide a state or a country, who is referred to as the ‘Amir’. Hafiz Manzoor was the Amir of the Tablighi Jamaat for the state of Maharashtra.

source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Changemakers / by Aasha Khosa, ATV / May 21st, 2026

The Poet of Palnadu: How Sheikh Kareemullah Taught a Generation to Question

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Palnadu District, ANDHRA PRADESH :

Beyond the Classroom: Honouring the literary soul and dedicated leadership of Headmaster Sheikh Kareemullah on his retirement, May 31, 2026

In the rural classrooms of Palnadu, a quiet revolution has been unfolding for decades. It did not begin with protests or speeches, but with the cadence of Vemana’s poems and the relentless commitment of a man who believed the classroom was a laboratory for democracy. As Sheikh Kareemullah, a senior educator and luminary of contemporary Telugu literature, hangs up his boots as a Headmaster this May 31, his legacy remains etched not in the service records of the state, but in the social consciousness of a generation.

For Kareemullah, teaching was never a mechanical transfer of curriculum. His tenure, particularly in the village of Enugupalem, became legendary. When news of his transfer broke, the village didn’t just file a grievance; two tractor-loads of residents reportedly arrived at the district office, demanding his retention.

It was a rare instance where the bureaucracy bowed to the pedagogical impact of an individual. Kareemullah had transformed his classroom into a crucible for critical thought, teaching children the nuances of pluralism, equality, and the weight of historical justice. He did not just teach the future; he nurtured it.

If teaching was his primary vocation, literature was his chosen battlefield. Kareemullah’s evolution as a writer is a mirror to the anxieties of the era. As communal tensions and social polarisation grew, his poetry shifted from traditional progressive themes to a sharper, more visceral exploration of identity.

His poem ‘Naa Raktham Kaaru Chauka’ (My Blood is Cheap) became more than a verse; it became a rallying cry for dignity. His long poem, ‘Saibu’, remains a seminal text in the Telugu literature, articulating the Muslim experience in India with a defiance that was both unapologetic and profoundly human.

Perhaps his most significant contribution to the literary canon is the introduction of the ‘Ababeel’, a poetic form inspired by Qur’anic allegory. By using the metaphor of small birds confronting overwhelming might, Kareemullah demonstrated that brevity could harbour immense political weight. The form took root, inspiring a new wave of younger poets to find their voices, and transforming what began as a creative experiment into a full-fledged literary movement.

Through the establishment of ‘Murasam’, Kareemullah created a vital space for Muslim writers to find a common ground, turning a literary collective into a school of critical thinking.

Throughout his career, Kareemullah has been the recipient of numerous honours, including the ‘Janmabhoomi Best Teacher’ award and the ‘Adarsha Guru Brahma’ title. Yet, to those who know him, these awards are mere footnotes.

His true achievement lies in his ability to bridge the gap between the teacher’s desk and the poet’s podium. His work, now part of university curricula, continues to be subjected to the rigorous academic scrutiny that defines a classic. He has navigated the complexities of domestic politics, critiqued imperialism, and remained a staunch defender of humanism.

As he steps into retirement, Kareemullah leaves behind a roadmap for the modern intellectual: to remain a teacher when the world is in chaos, and a poet when the world has lost its words. He remains not just a chronicler of his times, but an architect of the resistance against the silencing of voices.

[The writer is a journalist based in Hyderabad.]

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News/ Home> Features>Focus / by Md. Mujahid / May 31st, 2026

10 Muslim women who shine while running institutions

Community Involvement / Social Issues, Leaders, Leadership : IAS, IFS, IPS, IRS, IFoS, IAAS (incl.) all UPSC Services (wef. 18 June 2026), Women/Girls(since May26-2021), , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

INDIA :

Representational Image

New Delhi :

Across India’s administrative corridors, diplomatic missions, universities, welfare departments, and heritage institutions, a generation of Muslim women is redefining leadership through intellect, perseverance, and public service. Their journeys are rooted in struggle, shaped by education, and driven by a deep commitment to society.

Under the Parvaz series, Awaz-the Voice brings you the stories of ten such Muslim women, whose lives and work should become an inspiration for all women in India.

Adeeba Anam Ashfaq Ahmed Shaikh

Adeeba Anam Ashfaq Ahmed Shaikh

Adeeba Anam Ashfaq Ahmed Shaikh’s journey from a modest home in Yavatmal to becoming Maharashtra’s first Muslim woman IAS officer is a story of determination overcoming adversity.

The daughter of an auto-rickshaw driver, she rose above financial hardship, repeated failures, and social prejudice to secure All India Rank 142 in UPSC 2024. Her success stands as a beacon of hope for countless girls from rural and marginalised communities who dream of changing their destinies through education and hard work.

Dr Adeela Abdulla

Dr Adeela Abdulla

Dr Adeela Abdulla represents a compassionate and thoughtful face of governance in Kerala. One of the early Muslim women from Malabar to join the IAS, she has played a vital role in strengthening social welfare systems and urban governance.

Whether through her work in Kerala’s Solid Waste Management Project or as Special Secretary in the Social Justice Department, her leadership reflects empathy, accountability, and a deep commitment to human dignity, particularly for vulnerable sections of society.

Dr Chabina Hassan

Dr Chabina Hassan

In Assam, Dr Chabina Hassan has emerged as a powerful force in heritage conservation and archaeology. As Deputy Director at the Directorate of Archaeology, Assam, she played a key role in securing UNESCO World Heritage recognition for Charaideo Maidam and made groundbreaking discoveries in Dima Hasao.

Balancing motherhood, academics, and fieldwork, she has transformed archaeology into a bridge connecting communities with their cultural roots while inspiring younger generations to value history and preservation.

Dr Syed Sehrish Asgar

Dr Syed Sehrish Asgar

Dr Syed Sehrish Asgar’s career reflects excellence, resilience, and transformative public service. A doctor by training, she topped the J&K Administrative Services examination in 2010 and later secured AIR 118 in UPSC.

From becoming Budgam’s first woman Deputy Commissioner to spearheading initiatives like the SAATH programme that empowered over five lakh rural women through Self Help Groups, her administrative journey has been marked by innovation and social impact.

Her recognition with the Prime Minister’s Award for Excellence in Civil Services further highlights her contributions to governance and public welfare.

Naghath Tabassum Abroo

Naghath Tabassum Abroo

Naghath Tabassum Abroo’s life story is deeply rooted in the strength of family values, education, and perseverance. After a decade-long break from academics due to marriage and motherhood, she returned to secure third rank in the KPSC examination and later rose to become one of Karnataka’s pioneering Muslim women IAS officers

Through initiatives in women’s welfare, sanitation, healthcare, and e-governance, including Bengaluru One and Khajane II, she demonstrated how compassionate leadership and administrative innovation can improve public systems and people’s lives.

Nagma Mohammad Mallick

Nagma Mohammad Mallick

Nagma Mohammad Mallick carved history as India’s first Muslim woman IFS officer and built a distinguished diplomatic career through quiet yet impactful service. Currently serving as India’s Ambassador to Japan and the Marshall Islands, she has represented India in several countries while strengthening international partnerships in diplomacy, technology, and economic cooperation.

Through her thoughtful articulation of democracy, dialogue, and non-violence, Mallick has projected India’s values on the global stage with dignity and restraint.

Nahida Zam Zam

Nahida Zam Zam

Nahida Zam Zam has become known as a fearless and people-centric administrator in Karnataka. Through her public speeches and grassroots engagement, she consistently advocates for women’s empowerment, education, and freedom of thought.Her dedicated fieldwork during the COVID-19 pandemic, even while pregnant, earned her admiration as a compassionate officer deeply connected with ordinary people.

Whether speaking to students, women, or marginalised communities, she challenges restrictive social norms and encourages self-reliance and awareness.

Syeda Saiyidain Hameed

Syeda Saiyidain Hameed 

Syeda Saiyidain Hameed stands as one of the most influential voices for women’s rights, peace, and social justice in India. An acclaimed author, educationist, former member of the Planning Commission, and member of the National Commission for Women, she has devoted her life to defending human rights and promoting dialogue across communities.

As a founder of the Muslim Women’s Forum and Women’s Initiative for Peace in South Asia, she worked tirelessly for peace-building efforts between India and Pakistan, proving that courage and compassion can coexist in public life.

Professor Shabina Nishat Omar

Professor Shabina Nishat Omar 

Professor Shabina Nishat Omar has emerged as a dynamic symbol of academic leadership and women’s empowerment in West Bengal. With over twenty-five years in education and administration, she has transformed institutions through her leadership while advocating inclusive education, digital literacy, and gender awareness.

As an educator, speaker, and administrator, she continues to inspire young people to view education not merely as a profession, but as a powerful tool for social transformation and self-reliance.

Zaynab Syed

Zaynab Syed

Zaynab Syed’s journey reflects perseverance, discipline, and dedication to public service. From overcoming repeated failures in the civil services examination to securing an All India Rank 107, she proved the power of resilience and self-belief. Today, through her role at TRIFED, she works to strengthen tribal livelihoods and expand economic opportunities for artisans and self-help groups across eastern India.

Her story demonstrates how determination and commitment can turn setbacks into opportunities to serve society meaningfully.

By breaking barriers and creating spaces for future generations, they are not only shaping institutions but also redefining what leadership looks like in contemporary India.

source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> The Changemakers / by Vidushi Gaur /May 30th, 2026

Kalaburagi to Host Karnataka Muslim Convention on June 7

Community Involvement / Social Issues, Karnataka (under research project), Leaders, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Kalaburagi (formerly Gulbarga), KARNATAKA :

Kalaburagi:

The district unit of the Federation of Karnataka Muslim Organisations (FKMO) will organise the Karnataka Muslim Convention at Sabha Function Hall in Kalaburagi on June 7.

Addressing a press conference at the Kalaburagi Press Club, FKMO leader Ibrahim Patel said the convention has received support from various Muslim organisations, associations, institutions and members of the public. Thousands of people are expected to participate in the event.

He said the convention will feature the presentation of a report prepared by members of the Federation of Karnataka Muslim Organisations and experts from different fields.

According to Patel, the report examines the promises made to the Muslim community by Congress, the commitments that have been fulfilled and those that remain pending. The convention will also deliberate on issues relating to political representation and the key demands of the community.

He said that after its release at the Karnataka Muslim Convention in Bengaluru, the report is now being presented in Kalaburagi. Similar programmes will also be organised in Mysuru, Davangere and Mangaluru.

Community leader Afzal Mehmood said several assurances given by the Congress government are yet to be implemented. He urged the government to address ten major demands of the community, including restoration of reservation, action against hate speech, adequate budget allocation, political representation, Waqf-related issues, repeal of the cow slaughter prohibition law, withdrawal of the anti-conversion law and scholarship-related concerns.

He also expressed disappointment over the absence of a Muslim candidate in the upcoming Legislative Council elections despite demands for at least two seats for the community. He called for representation through at least one Rajya Sabha seat and four Cabinet berths.

The organisers clarified that no political leaders have been invited to the convention. They said the event is not a political programme but a democratic platform aimed at urging the government to fulfil its promises to the community in accordance with constitutional principles.

Retired Tahsildar Syed Nisar Ahmed Wazir, Feroz Khan Wadi and others were present at the press conference.

source: http://www.english.varthabharati.in / Vartha Bharati / Home> Karnataka / by Vartha Bharati / June 04th, 2026

For the Love of Telugu: How a Warangal Madrasa Teacher Bridged Faith and Literature

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Warangal, TELANGANA :

With a copy of the Holy Qur’an in one hand and the nectar of Telugu verse in the other, Mohammad Abdul Rasheed’s life is a testament to an enduring truth: language knows no faith, and the alphabet recognises no borders.

Mohammad Abdul Rasheed is a rare crimson rose blooming in the sprawling Nandanavanam, the celestial garden of Telugu literature. His faith is Islam, yet the consciousness of being profoundly, unapologetically ‘Telugu’ flows through his very veins. He possesses no grand academic degrees, but armed with nothing more than an insatiable appetite for the written word and a fierce determination to weaponize the alphabet, he has authored 43 books. His life is an epic poem in motion.

Recently appointed as the National Coordinator for the prestigious Sri Sri Kala Vedika 7th World Telugu Literature Conference, this Akshara Tapasvi (an ascetic of letters) stands as a monument to cultural synthesis.

The Ten-Paise Genesis

Born on April 12, 1952, in the Desaipeta locality of Warangal, Rasheed was the third of 12 children born to the impoverished couple Mohammad Abdul Sattar and Sarabi. His romance with literature began with a childhood snub. At the age of nine, while lingering in a local eatery, he was mesmerised by the vibrant, multi-coloured jacket of a novel held by a customer. When the young boy instinctively reached out to touch it, he was harshly rebuked. That sting did not discourage him; instead, it ignited a lifelong obsession.

He found his sanctuary at a makeshift wooden kiosk outside the Rajarajeswari Talkies. For a deposit of one rupee, the shopkeeper let him rent pulp novels and magazines for 10 paise a day. Flipping through the iconic pages of Chandamama, Balamitra, and Vijayachitra, Rasheed devoured stories the way others consumed food.

“I have no higher education,” Rasheed reflects, his voice tinged with quiet pride. “But it was that raw, unadulterated reading habit of my childhood that gave me the spine to stand tall in the literary world today.”

The Epiphany in ‘Geeturai’ and the Accidental Teacher

As the years rolled on, the writer within Rasheed found his awakening in the columns of the Geeturai weekly magazine, where he began contributing sharp opinion pieces. His turning point, however, came during an Islamic training seminar. Tasked with speaking on the theme “Desh Bachao” (Save the Nation), Rasheed delivered an electrifying five-minute speech that stunned his mentors.

Recognising a rare linguistic prodigy, authorities appointed him in 1985 to teach Telugu as a second language at Hyderabad’s renowned Jamia Darul Huda Madrasa. For 12 years, he served as a bridge between communities, earning the revered title of ‘Rasheed Master’ among generations of students.

A Harvest of 43 Volumes

The year 1990 marked a seismic shift in his literary career when he took up the monumental task of translating four dense volumes by the globally acclaimed Islamic scholar, Maulana Abul Hasan Ali Nadwi, into Telugu. Since then, the ink has never dried on his pen. Of the 43 books he has delivered to the Telugu literary canon, nine are original creative works:

In 2003, his seminal book ‘Jihad’ – an effort to demystify and contextually reclaim the term – was unveiled and lauded by Jnanpith Award laureate, Dr. C. Narayana Reddy (CiNaRe).

In 2021, his poignant poetry anthology ‘Bangaru Desam Naa Desam’ (My Country, A Golden Country) was launched at the historic Ravindra Bharathi stage by the venerable academician Acharya Kolakaluri Enoch.

Verse for a New State

When the fires of the Telangana statehood movement were raging, Rasheed’s verses became an anthem for progress. During the 2017 World Telugu Conference, standing on the Jagruthi platforms helmed by then Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao and Kalvakuntla Kavitha, Rasheed’s voice echoed across the auditorium:

“Then, it was a Telangana of barren rocks… today, it is a Telangana of precious gems. / Then, it was wrapped in pitch darkness… today, it is a Telangana radiant with the light of electric progress.”

The stanza brought the house down, proving that his poetry was intimately tied to the soil that raised him.

To the Zenith of Global Telugu Stages

Rasheed’s contribution extends far beyond the quiet solitude of writing; he is a lifetime member who has shaped four distinct World Telugu Conferences. He famously shared stages with cultural ambassadors like Ghazal Srinivas, felicitating contemporary poets.

In a crowning achievement for his decades of silent service, the ‘Sri Sri Kala Vedika’ has named Rasheed the National Coordinator for its upcoming 7th World Telugu Literature Conference, slated for June 6–7, 2026, at the Godavari Global University in Rajamahendravaram. For a scholar from a Muslim minority background to be elevated to the vanguard of Telugu cultural custodianship is a historic moment of pride for the entire state.

A Decorated Journey

Over the decades, a garland of prestigious accolades has found its way to Rasheed:

  1. Gidugu Rammurthi Panthulu National Award (for linguistic service)
  2. Joshua Sahitya Bhushan Award
  3. International Sri Sri Kala Vedika ‘Kaviratna’ National Merit Award
  4. Prajakavi Kaloji Narayana Rao Literary Service Award
  5. Maulana Abul Kalam National Award
  6. NTR Legendary Award by the Helping Hand Foundation

The Final Verse

Mohammad Abdul Rasheed remains an inherently humble man who has spent a lifetime proving that while faiths may vary, language remains a singular, unifying thread. He is the living embodiment of the truth that letters possess no caste, and syntax bears no religion. The boy from the Warangal cinema kiosk who traded ten paise for a dream has climbed to the absolute zenith of the Telugu literary world. As his pen continues to slash through biases, the Telugu linguistic world smiles upon its extraordinary son.

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Features> Focus / by Radiance News Bureau / June 03rd, 2026

Muslim Heroes: Five Muslim Men Risk lives to Rescue Trapped Victims in South Delhi Fire

Amazing Feats, Community Involvement / Social Issues, Heroes / Heroines - Ordinary Daily Life Citizens, Uniquely Indian - Inter Faith (wef. February 08th, 2023), , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

DELHI :

BJP MLA Praises Five Muslim Men for Delhi Hotel Fire Rescue.

A devastating fire ripped through a budget hotel in South Delhi’s Malviya Nagar on Wednesday, claiming 21 lives and injuring dozens. Yet amid the chaos and loss, extraordinary acts of courage shone through as local residents, particularly five young Muslim men, risked their lives to save trapped occupants.

BJP MLA Satish Upadhyay praised the bravery of Afzal, Mohammad Shah Rukh, Mohammad Aneesh, Mohammad Aamir, and Mohammad Waseem.

The five men repeatedly entered the burning building alongside Delhi Police to evacuate survivors, demonstrating selfless heroism. Upadhyay shared their photographs on social media, calling them “bravehearts” who saved many lives without regard for their own safety.

The rescue efforts extended far beyond official responders. Neighbours, shopkeepers, and workers from nearby establishments rushed to help. Riyazuddin, a 61-year-old mattress shop owner, pulled out all his stock and laid mattresses on the narrow lane below windows to cushion those jumping from upper floors. He saved at least 10 lives but suffered a loss of nearly ₹2 lakh.

Wasim Raza, a security officer at nearby Max Hospital, entered the smoke-filled building multiple times and performed CPR on at least 10 victims. Other locals like Mohammad Israr Khan and Mohammad Shoaib, a former fire emergency trainer, also joined rescue operations, helping carry out the injured and deceased.

The tragedy highlighted serious safety lapses. The hotel reportedly operated without fire clearance, had more rooms than approved, and only one entry-exit point. Police arrested owner Lovkesh Bajaj and registered an FIR under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Among the dead were nine African nationals and two from Turkmenistan.

While the loss remains heartbreaking, the community’s swift response and the courage of ordinary citizens, especially the five Muslim youths, have earned widespread praise on social media for their humanity and bravery in the face of disaster.

source: http://www.muslimmirror.com / Muslim Mirror / Home> Indian Muslim> Positive Story / by Muslim Mirror Desk / June 04th, 2026