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
A 23-year-old Sarah Aziz from Kolkata won the prestigious UK’s The Press Award for investigative reporting. Armed with BA English, she is pursuing her Master of Science in Journalism at Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism in New York in the US. Interestingly, she started filing stories even while doing her UG in Kolkata during 2023. Her in-depth report on Rohingya Muslim refugees in Bangladesh for Voice of America (The American Multimedia Broadcasting Network) fetched her the highly commended “Young Journalist of The Year Award”.
Be bold, be curious, and be unyielding in your pursuit of the untold stories. Yes, this applies to 23-year-old Sarah Aziz from Kolkata in West Bengal, who had put up a brave face to report from the field about the inhuman treatment meted out to Rohingya Muslim refugees in Bangladesh for Voice of America, part of American Multimedia Broadcasting Network. This, in fact, fetched her the “Young Journalist of the Year” this year.
Armed with BA English from Loreto College in Kolkata, she is now pursuing her Master of Science in Journalism at Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism in New York in the US. Interestingly, she started filing stories as a freelancer even while doing her UG in Kolkata during 2023. To top it all, she has been a contributing reporter for The Guardian, The Telegraph (UK), South China Morning Post (SCMP) and The Christian Science Monitor besides others.
In November 2024, Aziz published an investigative report in The Telegraph (UK), exposing the truth behind the “mysterious” death of a Rohingya child who had been detained by the Indian government in New Delhi. The multimedia report not only delved into the medical negligence and abuse faced by the child in detention, but also revealed the wider pattern of the mass arbitrary detention and torture of Rohingya Muslims seeking refuge in India.
Earlier in the same year, Aziz had exposed the hidden scandal of rape and sexual abuse faced by incarcerated women in India, particularly in West Bengal. The investigative report, published in The Guardian, laid bare the tactics used by authorities to cover up crimes against some of the most vulnerable women in the country.
Aziz has extensively covered the persecution faced by Rohingya Muslims in India and Bangladesh for multiple international news outlets like The South China Morning Post, Voice of America and The Guardian. Her investigative breaking news reporting on the 2025 Bangladesh student protests was published in The Times (UK).
On cloud nine, Sarah Aziz is reported to have said, “My interests lie in investigative reporting on human rights issues of national and global importance. Some beats I have covered extensively are women’s health, the Rohingya refugee crisis, human trafficking and Indigenous affairs both in India and the U.S. It’s a great honour to receive the Highly Commended “Young Journalist of the Year” instituted by The Press Awards (2025) and the Thomson Foundation.
Sarah Aziz dedicated this award to her dad Sheik Azizur Rahman and her seventh grade English teacher who motivated her to be what she is now. She will be graduating from Columbia University with an MS in Journalism in August 2025. Glad to learn that Sarah Aziz is a poet, translator, and artist based in Kolkata, India. In 2021, her translation of Bangladeshi activist and author Pinaki Bhattacharya’s “History of Bengal: from Ancient to British Rule” got published receiving rave reviews.
Established in 1962 by The People and World’s Press News, the first award ceremony for the then-named Hannen Swaffer Awards, named after journalist Hannen Swaffer, was held in 1963. This got transformed from British Press Awards to The Press Awards which is being given under the aegis of Haymarket Media Group on behalf of the News Media Association.
Some of the categories include Business and Finance Journalist of the Year, Campaign of the Year, Cartoonist of the Year, Columnist of the Year, Critic of the Year, Environment Journalist of the Year, Excellence in Diversity Award, Feature Writer of the Year, Foreign Reporter of the Year, Front Page of the Year, Health Journalist of the Year, Interviewer of the Year, Investigation of the Year, News Podcast of the Year, News Website of the Year, Newspaper of the Year, Photographer of the Year, Political Journalist of the Year, Science and Technology Journalist of the Year, Scoop of the Year, Specialist journalist of the Year, Supplement of the Year, The Hugh McIlvanney Award for Sports Journalist of the Year, Travel Journalist of the Year, and Young Journalist of the Year.
[The author is former Indian Express and Deccan Chronicle chief]
source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Pride of the Nation / by M Rafi Ahmed / May 31st, 2025
Omar Ahmed, a student of The Indian High School here, has scored 95.2% in this year’s CBSE Class 10th examination.
He is the son of Basheer Ahmed Mulur, a NRI engineer in Dubai, and Rukhiya Shahina Banu, a teacher at The Indian High School.
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) announced the 10th and 12th grade examination results on Tuesday. More than 93 percent of students have cleared the CBSE Class 10 board exams, while 88.39 percent candidates have cleared the 12th grade exams
The excellence awards ceremony and annual meet – 2025 of the Muslim Educational Institutions Federation (MEIF) of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts, held at Barakah International School, Adyar Mangaluru, on May 22.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Mohan Alva, chairman of Alva’s Education Foundation, Moodbidri, said, “Education institutions should not be limited to one community. Education institutions should not be confined to the community that founded them. Instead, schools should reflect a “mini-India” that transcends barriers of religion, caste, and ethnicity. Everyone should have access to education. An atmosphere must be created where all are included. Just as India is home to various castes, religions, languages, and ethnicities, schools too should represent this diversity and become a mini-India. Schools should be a reflection of society, imparting education that builds communities rather than dividing them”
Praising the achievements of MEIF, Dr Mohan Alva also promised assistance in providing scouts and guides training to students in MEIF schools.
MEIF honorary president Umar T K delivered a keynote address, and MEIF president Moosabbi P Bary presided over the event.
A booklet detailing the federation’s annual programmes for 2024-25 was unveiled by Y Abdulla Javed, director of Yenepoya Group.
President of the Baraka Group of Institutions Ashraf Bajpe and Unni Haji, , along with Bahrain Sinan Zakariya, were honored during the ceremony.
National trainer Rajendra Bhat also shared his thoughts.
The event also included a felicitation ceremony honoring students who achieved outstanding results in PUC and SSLC examinations.
Outstanding SSLC performers from MEIF schools who were felicitated include Sumaiyya Nuha (619), Dakshin S Salian (618), Nidha Khadeeja Noor (617).
PUC toppers honored include Prithvi Acharya (585), Ayesha (584), Ayesha Shamran (584), Farahath M A (591), Maheen Fathima (590), Ayesha Falak (563), Aleemath Sayida (556), and Nafia T N (556).
From MEIF SSLC Kodagu – Fizah V (618), MEIF SSLC Chikkamagaluru – Taheen Fathima (597), and Karnataka SSLC state topper Shagufta Anjum from Sirsi (625) were also felicitated with mementos and cash awards.
Vice president of the Presidency Group of Institutions Suhail Ahmed and president of the Manipal HPR Group of Institutions Hariprasad Rai, were present as chief guests and extended their best wishes.
MEIF East Zone vice president Mustafa Sullia welcomed the gathering. General secretary Riyaz Ahmed K B and secretary Mohammad Sharik announced the names of the award-winning students. Farvez Ali delivered the vote of thanks, and lecturer Abdul Razak Anantadi compered the event.
MEIF Kodagu chapter president K A Shadli, Chikkamagaluru chapter president Zameer Ahmed, vice president Shabih Ahmed Qazi, and treasurer Nisar Fakir Mohammad were also present on the occasion.
source: http://www.daijiworld.com / Daijiworld / Home> Karnataka / by DaijiWorld Media Network – Udupi (TP) / May 23rd, 2025
Sadaravan Village (Sitapur District), UTTAR PRADESH :
Girls outperform boys in Jamia Millia Islamia’s internal examinations, and Umaima’s performance has emerged as a shining example
New Delhi :
Reflecting dedication and discipline, Umaima Bano, a student from a small village in Sitapur, Uttar Pradesh, has made her mark in the results declared by Jamia Millia Islamia. Scoring 96.4 per cent in the Class 10 board examinations, Umaima becomes one of the top 10 rank holders this year.
The Class 12 and 10 results were released on 14 and 15 May, respectively. This year, girls have notably outperformed boys in Jamia’s internal examinations, and Umaima’s performance has emerged as a shining example.
Umaima hails from Sadaravan, a remote village in Sitapur district. Her father, Kamal Ahmed, is the principal of a private intercollege, and her achievement has brought pride not only to her family but also to her entire village.
Despite her modest background, Umaima demonstrated excellence across all subjects. According to the official marksheet, she scored 97% in Hindi, 98% in English, 99% in Mathematics, 93% in Science, 95% in Social Science, 96% in Urdu, and 95% in Islamiyat.
Her performance reflects a well-rounded grasp of both academic and language-based subjects. Speaking to local media, her father expressed pride in her efforts:
“Umaima has always been a disciplined and hardworking child. We had faith in her, but her achievement has exceeded our expectations,” Kamal Ahmed said.
Umaima’s academic journey has been marked by determination. She completed her primary education from New Vision Public Inter College in Muhammadabad, Uttar Pradesh. She then appeared for Jamia Millia Islamia’s national-level entrance test, securing an impressive 45th rank.
This feat earned her a place in the prestigious university, where she now lives in a student hostel to pursue her studies with greater focus.
“I want to become an IAS officer and serve my country,” Umaima shared when asked about her future goals. “My parents’ sacrifices inspire me every day to work harder.”
The news of Umaima’s success spread quickly across her village, where neighbours and well-wishers gathered to congratulate the family. Local teachers and community leaders praised her for being a role model for rural students.
“Umaima’s success has shown that even students from small villages can reach great heights with sincerity and support,” said Feroz Khan, a teacher from her former school.
Jamia officials also acknowledged the importance of recognising merit from all backgrounds.
“At Jamia Millia Islamia, we are committed to nurturing talent from every corner of the country. Umaima’s story is a testament to the power of equal opportunity and hard work,” said an official from the university’s examination board.
This year’s results have also highlighted the consistent rise of girl students at Jamia. University records indicate that in both Class 10 and 12 results, girls have performed better than boys in average marks and top positions.
With her academic brilliance and strong moral foundation, Umaima Bano has not only brought laurels to her family and community but has also become a symbol of hope and empowerment for girls in rural India.
As celebrations continue in Sitapur, many hope that Umaima’s journey will inspire others to dream big, work hard, and break through social and geographic barriers.
source: http://www.clarionindia.com / Clarion India / Home> Editor’s Pick> Indian Muslims / by Mohammad Bin Ismail / May 18th, 2025
1993 batch IPS Officer M.A. Saleem is new DGP of Karnataka | PC: @Gulbarga Ki Awaaz/FB
Bengaluru :
The Karnataka government on Wednesday issued orders appointing M.A. Saleem, a senior IPS officer from the 1993 batch, as the new Director General and Inspector General of Police (DG-IGP) of Karnataka. He replaces Dr. Alok Mohan, who retired from service today.
Until now, Saleem was serving as the Director General of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).
There had been speculation over who would succeed Dr. Alok Mohan, with two key contenders in the race — M.A. Saleem and Prashant Kumar Thakur, DGP of Fire and Emergency Services. Thakur, a 1992-batch officer, is senior to Saleem by one year.
Saleem will have a one-year tenure, retiring in June 2026.
A seasoned officer, Saleem is known for his strong administrative skills and has previously served in various key positions across the state, including as Bengaluru City’s Special Police Commissioner.
source: http://www.english.varthabharati.in / Vartha Bharati / Home> Karnataka / by Vartha Bharati / May 21st, 2025
Guwahati-based school teacher Saikh Md. Sabah Al-Ahmed
At a time when Pakistan’s sponsored terrorism in India has drawn global attention, a Guwahati-based school teacher Saikh Md. Sabah Al-Ahmed has tried to highlight the same issue through a different medium. His poetry “In the Valley of Red,” which talks about the loss of lives of Kashmiri youths, has featured in the Penguin Book of Poems on the Indian City.
From Ghalib’s Delhi and Nissim Ezekiel’s Bombay to Agha Shahid Ali’s Srinagar and Kamala Das’s Calcutta, from Sarojini Naidu’s Hyderabad to Arundhathi Subramaniam’s Madras to Kynpham Sing Nongkynrih’s Shillong; The Penguin Book of Poems on the Indian City takes readers on a spectacular poetic journey across 37 cities in India.
His anthology contains nearly 300 poems, some written in English, and those translated from 25 regional languages. This collection offers an immersive lyrical exploration of India’s urban landscape.
Sabah Ahmed with renowed author from Penduin Zubaan (Women) Preeti Gill
Speaking to Awaz-The Voice, Sabah Ahmed said his poem “In the Valley of Red” talks of the plight & irony of innocent Kashmiri youths who are brainwashed and taken to the other side of the border to become terrorists. He said these youth again come back to their home (Kashmir) to kill their people, and eventually they also get killed in the hands of security forces in different encounters.
“Through the poem, I try to capture the emotions of parents of these Kashmiri youths who eagerly wait for their sons to return home one day. But in the end, these parents have to receive their dead bodies. My poem tries to depict how a paradise (Kashmir) has been destroyed by Pakistan,” Sabah Ahmed said.
Before the Penguin Book of Poems Sabah Ahmed poem on Kashmir was published in WITNESS: The Red River Book of Poetry of Dissent (2021), an anthology of “Poetry of Dissent from the Margins” as seen by Indian poets, edited by Nabina Das. Subsequently, it was also published in the London-based Joao-Roque Literary Journal on February 28, 2022, edited by British-Asian writer and editor Selma Carvalho.
Another poem of Sabah Ahmed on Guwahati Diaries has also been featured in the Penguin Book of Poems on the Indian City. This poem highlights the situation of Guwahati during Covid-19 pandemic.
The Penguin Book of Poems on the Indian City is edited by Bilal Moin from Oxford University. The anthology is slated for release on May 30, 2025.
Sabah Ahmed, 50, who teaches social science in the prestigious Don Bosco School Pan Bazar in Guwahati, is popular among students, parents, and his peers for his affable nature.
“I scribbled a few lines, way back in 1988 or 1989, when I was in class 8 or 9. I felt like a 14-year-old while putting down my feelings on paper. The rest is this long journey since then. I was awarded the Reuel International Prize for Poetry in 2019 for the best upcoming poet from the North East. My poems were translated into Italian by Italian poet Giorgio Moio, based in Naples, Italy. My poems were also translated into Manipuri by veteran Manipuri critic Laishram Memo Singh,” Sabah Ahmed said.
Sabah Ahmed is very disturbed about the present situation in Kashmir. “Things were coming back to normal in Kashmir after decades. But the Pahalgam attack has finished everything. But I am still hopeful for better days in Kashmir. It will be the happiest moment in my life if my poem touches the Kashmiri youths and they quit the wrong path shown from the other side of the border,” he said.
source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Stories / by Daulat Rahman, Guwahati (headline edited) / May 20th, 2025
In a time marked by growing communal tensions and polarizing narratives, young author and scholar Syed Amjad Hussain’s book ‘Bihar Aur Sufivad’ arrives not only as a work of history but also as a much-needed spiritual intervention. Spanning more than 300 pages, the book immerses the reader in Bihar’s rich and pluralistic Sufi heritage, offering a profound counter-narrative rooted in peace, love and human dignity.
Bihar is generally remembered for its political agitations and socio-economic challenges, but beneath the surface lies an older, deeper history – a rich tapestry of sufi saints who arrived as early as the 12th century. Through systematic research and a respectful tone, Hussain revives this forgotten spiritual geography.
Beginning with the arrival of Hazrat Peer Shah Mushk Nafah, Hazrat Momin Arif Ansari Yemeni and Hazrat Imam Muhammad Taj Faqih Zubairi Hashmi, followed by the transformative presence of Hazrat Qazi Syed Shahabuddin Suhrawardi Peer Jagjot Kashgari in Fatuha (Patna), the book presents a chronologically overlapping map of Sufi presence in Bihar. These are not mere biographies; they are glimpses into a world where divine love was not only preached but lived, practiced and internalised.
Thematic Depth, Scholarly Rigor
Divided into well-organised sections, ‘Bihar Aur Sufivad’ details the lives of 20 influential sufi saints. Each chapter offers insights into their teachings (taalim), spiritual practices, miracles (karamaat) and most importantly, their social engagements. The saints in Hussain’s work are not passive mystics withdrawn from the world; they are reformers, healers, poets and bridges between communities.
The book also discusses the various sufi orders (silsilas) present in Bihar – Firdausi, Shattari, Husami, Warsi, Chishti, Qadri, Suhrawardi and Naqshbandi – illustrating how each infused its own spiritual philosophy into the soil of Bihar. Of special mention is Hussain’s inclusion of female figures such as Hazrat Bibi Kamal of Kako Sharif, a rare and valuable recognition of women’s contributions to Bihar’s mystic culture.
Language, Tone and Accessibility
Hussain’s writing flows with a gentle rhythm that recalls classical Urdu and Hindi scholarship yet remains accessible to contemporary readers. The prose is rich and poetic without sacrificing academic precision. His background as a researcher is evident in the meticulous citation of works in Persian, Urdu, Arabic, Hindi and English, many of which are obscure or little known to the general public.
This is not a dry academic treatise; it is a living, breathing narrative of spiritual heritage, crafted to engage scholars, young seekers and general readers alike.
Relevance in Today’s India
What makes the book particularly significant is its timing. At a moment when histories are being erased or rewritten to suit political agendas, this book affirms that India’s collective spiritual heritage must not be forgotten. The sufi saints of Bihar transcended caste, creed and religion. Their khanqahs were open to people of all faiths. They preached service, not supremacy.
In this age of ideological divisions, Hussain’s work reminds the bridges that once united communities. It is a call to return – not to nostalgia, but to the ethics of inclusiveness, humility and compassion that the sufis embodied.
‘Bihar Aur Sufivad’ is more than a book; it is a spiritual journey and a historical reclamation. In reviving the voices of Bihar’s forgotten sufi saints, Hussain does more than pay tribute; he builds a bridge for contemporary readers to reconnect with a heritage that offers solutions to some of our most pressing problems.
This book deserves a place not only on library shelves but also in classrooms, living rooms and community discussions. It is an invitation to think, to remember and to heal.
Hussain has not merely authored a book – he has attempted to revive a spiritual legacy and present it afresh to the modern world. This work warrants a place of honour in the study of Indian Islam, Sufism and regional spiritual histories. It is hoped that it will inspire further research, dialogue and, most importantly, personal transformation.
It is strongly recommended for scholars, spiritual seekers and anyone interested in the rich diversity of India’s syncretic traditions.
(Dr. Shujaat Ali Quadri is an Indian journalist, deputy director of the Indo-Islamic Heritage Center and the chairman of the Muslim Students Organisation of India)
source: http://www.twocircles.net / TwoCircles.net / Home> Arts & Culture> Book Review / by Dr Shujaat Ali Quadri / May 07th, 2025
Shezah Fatima, Sumbul Khan, Tarannum Rangrez and Mohammed Ashhad are four Muslims who have figured in the MPBSE Madhya Pradesh 10th List of Top 10 for the year 2025 released along with the result Tuesday.
[Representative image by Grok 3]
MP Class 10 Result 2025:
Madhya Pradesh SSC 2025 Toppers List: Shezah Fatima, Sumbul Khan, Tarannum Rangrez and Mohammed Ashhad are four Muslims who have figured in the MPBSE Madhya Pradesh 10th List of Top 10 for the year 2025 released along with the result Tuesday.
Shezah Fatima from Jabalpur bagged a total of 498/500 marks and secured the 3rd rank in Madhya Pradesh.
On the other hand, Sumbul Khan of Sagar district and Tarannum Rangrez of Damoh district bagged a total of 496/500 and secured the 5th rank in the MPBSE 10th Toppers List 2025.
Also in the Madhya Pradesh SSC Merit List 2025 is Mohammed Ashhad. Ashhad bagged 495 out of the total 500 marks and stood 6th in whole of Madhya Pradesh.
The state topper in the MPBSE SSC 2025 board exam is Pragya Jaiswal of Singrauli district. She has scored 500 out of 500 marks i.e. 100% marks to secure the top rank in the MP Class 10 board exams 2025 held from February 27 to March 19, 2025.
MPBSE 10th Toppers 2025
The top three students in the Madhya Pradesh board SSC Merit List 2025 are:
Rank 1: Pragya Jaiswal from Singrauli (500 marks)
Rank 2: Ayush Dwivedi from Rewa (499 marks)
Rank 3: Shezah Fatima from Jabalpur (498 marks)
Girls have preformed excellently well across the board.
According to the 10th result announced today, a total of 212 students have featured in the Madhya Pradesh SSC Merit List 2025. Notably, 144 of them are girls.
MP 10th Result 2025 – Top 10 Districts
Narsinghpur district has topped in terms of pass percentage in both MP 10th exam, followed by Mandla district. The list of top 10 districts are:
Narsingpur 92.73% of regular students pass
Mandla 89.83%
Balaghat 88.07%
Anooppur 87.66%
Neemuch 87.29%
Shajapur 86.22%
Sehore 85.54%
Hoshangabad 84.08%
Dewas 84.05%
Jhabua 83.88%
MPBSE 10th 2025: Division wise Result
Over 4 lakh students have passed MP 10th SSC 2025 exam with 1st division.
First division: 4,290,42 students
Second division: 1,821,72
Third division: 2,200
Pass division: 0
Details of Regular Students
Registered: 8,100,19
Absent: 5,087
Appeared: 8,049,32
Cancelled: 125
Withheld: 39
Result declared for: 8,047,68
Pass: 6,134,14
Failed: 1,91,354
Pass percentage: 76.22 per cent
The state has registered an overall pass percentage of 76.22%. It is the best result in the past 15 years, the MP board said.
Steps to Check MP board Class 10 HSC Result 2025
Click here to go official MPBSE official website: “mpresults.nic.in“.
Click on “HSC (Class 10th) Exam Result 2025”.
Enter roll number and name.
Click on “Submit”.
The results will be displayed on the screen.
Save the results and take a print out for further reference.
The students can check their MPBSE Class 10 or HSC results 2025 along with Class 12th HSSC Vocational Exam 2025 on the official website www.mpresults.nic.in, mpbse.mponline.gov.in, mpbse.nic.in, ExamResults.net, MPEducation.net indiaresults.com results.mpeducation.net, knowyourresult.com.
MP Board Previous Year Toppers
In 2024, the MP board Class 10 exam, the state had registered an overall pass percentage of 58.10%.
In 2023, the MP Board Class 12 Exams were held from March 2 to April 01, 2023, at various test centers across the state.
A total of 7,29,426 students had registered for the Class 12 MP Board exams. Out of them 7,27,044 appeared in the exam and 4,01,366 (55.20%) were declared passed. The pass percentage of boys in 2023 was 51.91% and that of the girls stood at 58.69%.
Narayan Sharma (488 marks), Gaurav Mourya (486 marks), Ritin Lodhi (486 marks) and Prachi Patel (485 marks) were toppers in Science stream.
On the other hand, the MP Board Class 10 Exams last year were held from March 1 to March 27, 2023, at various test centers across the state.
A total of 8,20,014 students had registered for the Class 10 MP Board exams. Out of them 8,15,364 appeared in the exam and 5,15,955 (63.29%) were declared passed. The pass percentage of boys in 2023 was 60.26% and that of the girls stood at 66.47%.
source: http://www.ummid.com / Ummid.com / Home> Education & Career / by ummid.com news network / May 06th, 2025
Muqita, Fatima and Shakila are a few of the over hundred persons who get monthly pension from the Soghra Waqf Estate of Bihar Sharif in Bihar. They are quite thankful for the Waqf Estate but they are not aware about the controversial Waqf (Amendment) Act.
This is just one of the hundreds of Waqf Estates which is providing help to the needy in one or the other way. Apart from the monthly pension, it also provides financial help for medical treatment to the needy.
BBC Hindi recently made a video report about the financial help being provided by the Soghra Waqf Estate.
According to this report Muqita Khatoon is about to turn eighty. Sadly, mother of four sons Muqita lives alone. Twenty-five years back her husband Bashir passed away. Muqita has nothing but the memory of her husband and a few utensils in her rented house. She pays the rent of this single room from the pension of Rs. 600 she gets from Soghra Waqf Estate. She says that many a time she is forced to sleep without any food.
Sogra Waqf Estate was established in the year 1896. Bibi Sogra, an enlightened lady, donated land for Waqf in sixteen districts, including Nalanda, Muzaffarpur, Darbhanga and Nawadah. It is reported that Soghra Waqf Estate consists of around twenty-one thousand acres of land. It is said that Bibi Soghra set priority for women as beneficiary of the Waqf.
Fatima, 66, of village Sabbait in Nalanda district is dependent on the pension she gets from Soghra Waqf Estate. She was deserted by her husband only after three years of marriage. Fatima lived with her father but after he died, she was left helpless. Then she got a pension of Rs. 500.00 per month from the Soghra Waqf Estate. She is happy that someone from her neighbourhood also filled the form for the social welfare scheme of Bihar government from which she gets Rs. 400.00 per month. She is happy to get Rs. 900.00 per month and terms it as ‘bahut rahat’ (big relief).
Soghra Waqf Estate is providing monthly pension for 113 needy persons of Nalanda, Sheikhpura, Nawadah and Gaya districts.
Mokhtarul Haque, Mutawalli of Soghra Waqf Estate, says that there are talks of no representation of women and Pasmanda but it must be said that Bibi Soghra herself was the Mutawalli of this Waqf from 1896 to 17 March 1909. “Thus the leadership was in the hands of a woman.”
Shakila Khatoon lost her husband and son. She is forced to cover her face with a dupatta because of cancer. She is getting financial help from this Waqf Estate for her treatment. She used to make Bidis and smoke it also. She quite emotional says that she gets financial help from the ‘Estate’. “I used to get Rs. 1000-2000 for my treatment. Though it was not a big amount but when you get nothing from other sources, it becomes more important,” said Shakila.
source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Features> Focus / by Md. Sami Ahmad / Radiance News Bureau / May 11th, 2025
