Adibah Anam, rickshaw driver’s daughter, becomes Maharashtra’s first Muslim woman IAS officer.
Defying immense odds, Adibah Anam, daughter of a rickshaw driver from Yavatmal, Maharashtra, has achieved an extraordinary feat by securing All India Rank 142 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2024.
With this, she becomes the first Muslim woman from her state set to join the prestigious Indian Administrative Service (IAS), according to Clarion India.
Raised in a modest household, Adibah’s story is one of sheer determination and purpose. She began her education in a Zilla Parishad Urdu School, scoring an impressive 94% in SSC and 92.46% in HSC (Science).
Though she once dreamt of becoming a doctor, her maternal uncle, Jan Nizamuddin Sahib, guided her toward civil services, believing she could bring broader change. He supported her emotionally and financially, becoming a pillar in her journey.
Adibah completed her graduation in Mathematics from Abeda Inamdar College, Pune, with 85.20%. Despite clearing the NET exam, she chose not to enter academia and began preparing for the UPSC.
Her early attempts were marked by struggle, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Her third attempt, from Mumbai’s Hajj House under Maqsood Khan Sahib’s mentorship, brought her closer, but she still missed the final list.
Refusing to give up, she joined the Residential Coaching Academy at Jamia Millia Islamia in Delhi, where she finally succeeded. Choosing Urdu Literature as her optional subject despite a science background, she showcased her academic versatility and deep cultural roots.
Her parents remained her silent strength. “My father never asked me to stop. He only said, ‘May Allah make you successful,’” she shared.
Today, Adibah’s success is a beacon of hope for marginalized communities. “This victory belongs to every girl told to stay behind,” she says. “This is just the beginning.” — With Agencies Inputs
source: http://www.muslimmirror.com / Muslim Mirror / Home> Indian Muslim / by Muslim Mirror Desk / April 27th, 2025
Yunus Sayyad receiving the award for his book ‘Inuchi Goshta
The conferring of the prestigious ‘Lakshmibai Tilak Award’ by the Maharashtra Government on ‘Inuchi Goshta‘ (The Story of Inu) is a tribute to its author, Yunus Sayyad, for his resilience in fighting a slew of diseases, including cancer, and sharing his experience with public through the book.
Yunus Sayyad was pursuing his Master’s degree at Fergusson College when he was diagnosed with blood cancer.
For the next year, he underwent treatment at Mumbai’s Tata Memorial Hospital. During that time, he had to battle 13 different diseases. Twice, his health deteriorated to the point of hopelessness. Friends who saw him in the ICU thought it would be their last meeting.
However, today, Yunus has dodged death and become a ray of hope for thousands of patients. His book ‘Inuchi Goshta‘ (The Story of Inu) is the story of his struggle with diseases.
Yunus Sayyad receiving the award
A visibly happy Yunus Sayyad told Awaz-the Voice, “When the award was announced, I was doing cancer awareness work in the Konkan region—in Sindhudurg, Ratnagiri, and Raigad. At one place, I was conducting a session for medical officers and primary health centre staff on palliative care centres on the care of cancer patients. Coincidentally, I was in a village very close to Lakshmibai Tilak’s village, and the award is also in her name. It was a great coincidence that I was doing cancer awareness work, which is the exact subject of my book.”
Yunus faced many difficulties while undergoing cancer treatment. Common patients have no information about things, such as the cost of treatment, proper diet, precautions during chemotherapy, and scientific methods of drinking water. Often, many things can be learned only through experience.
Yunus says, “I found solutions myself to all the problems I faced. With the thought that my journey and experiences should benefit other patients, I started writing a diary.” This diary was later transformed into a book. Since Yunus’s nickname is ‘Inu’, the book was named ‘Inuchi Goshta‘, and its tagline was kept as ‘Ajun Mi Jivant Ahe‘ (I am still alive).
Yunus’s mother had never seen the world outside her village till her son was diagnosed with cancer. For Yunus’s treatment, she rented a room in a slum area in Mumbai and lived there.
Yunus says, “My mother’s struggle was bigger than mine. She endured the heat of Mumbai, the environment there, and the constant physical strain caused by my illness for a year.”
Yunus Sayyad with his family
While bedridden and undergoing treatment for cancer, Yunus diligently wrote down memories from his childhood in a diary.
The book ‘Inuchi Goshta‘ is not just confined to cancer patients. Reading the story of a young man who fought and survived 13 diseases in a year is inspiring many ordinary people as well. The Maharashtra State Board of Literature and Culture selected this book from among 80 books.
Receiving a state award for an autobiography in the adult literature category at the age of just 26 makes Yunus the youngest literary awardee this year. He achieved this success purely on the strength of his experience, without previous inclination to writing.
Yunus said, “My book was published at the end of 2024. After publication, it received the ‘Navlekhak‘ (New Author) award from the Pune Book Festival. After that, the book was read by many cancer patients. Most importantly, on Cancer Day last year, I was invited as a guest to Tata Memorial Hospital, the very hospital where I was treated, and an informal launch of the book took place there too.”
Yunus also founded an NGO named ‘Aarambh‘. He says, “It’s wrong to think that our life is over after cancer. Modern medical science has good options like immunotherapy and targeted therapy.”
He also made a video on the treatment process at the Tata Hospital, which was watched by thousands of people. Many of them contacted him, and he helped 2500 patients get admitted into hospitals for treatment.
Today, he says, more than 85 per cent of them are living normal lives.
source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Stories / by Bhatki Chalak, Pune / March 10th, 2026
Corporator Haji Ghafoor Pathan, elected from the Muslim-majority Kondhwa Khurd-Kausarbaug ward of the Pune Municipal Corporation, invoked the legacy of Shivaji Maharaj in his very inaugural speech.
Speaking in the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Hall, he chanted the name of Shivaji Maharaj and delivered a message of inclusive politics. The video of his speech is currently going viral on social media.
Haji Ghafoor Pathan won the mandate from the Muslim-majority populace due to his years of campaigning for Shivaji’s ideals and his progressive stance.
Haji Ghafoor Pathan caught the attention of the house by invoking the name of the Maratha warrior. He congratulated the new office bearers on behalf of all Punekars and his ward. “This house belongs to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The Honourable Mayor and Deputy Mayor should take progressive thoughts forward like an ideal King and give justice to all. Opinions, justice, equality, and brotherhood were the main principles of Shivraya’s Swarajya, and I express my wish that the same should be implemented in this house.”
He introduced himself as ‘Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s Muslim Mavala’ (Muslim soldier/Loyalist of Shivaji Maharaj).
He said, “We always consider welfare for people of all castes and religions in this house. I will always fight for the development of the Kondhwa area. Just as Mavalas of all religions worked in Shivraya’s army, we will continue to serve the city with the same loyalty.”
Ghafoor Pathan has been celebrating Shivjayanti with great pomp in his Muslim-majority Kondhwa area for many years.
The day is celebrated with a statue of the King, a traditional palanquin, a chariot decorated with flowers, and the beats of Dhol-Tasha and Tutari.
Corporator Ghafoor Pathan
This all-faith ceremony is organised on behalf of the ‘Muslim Mavala Foundation’ led by Ghafoor Pathan. Women and school students participate enthusiastically in this. Notably, naming the flyover in Kondhwa after Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was also part of his initiative. Recalling old memories, Corporator Pathan commented on the struggle for development. He said, “Earlier, we all used to be adamant about work in our ward. We have struggled for that. Now conflict must not come in the way of development.”
He requested the administration and group leaders to cooperate for the interest of Punekars and the holistic development of the city. He was particularly insistent that pending works in Kondhwa and the surrounding areas should be accelerated.
Haji Ghafoor Pathan also mentioned his mentor in politics, Ajit Pawar. “We will follow the ideals and precedents set by Respected Dada for five years. We will try to conduct ourselves in this house with Ajit Dada’s thoughts,” he promised the house.
Ghafoor Pathan’s speech in the historic hall of the Pune Municipal Corporation has set a new direction for social harmony and development. By invoking the name and ideals of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, he has started his journey as a public representative, on an inclusive note.
source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Stories / by Bhakti Chalak, Pune / February 16th, 2026
Parbhani has elected its first Muslim mayor from the Shiv Sena since the party’s formation in the 1960s. Shiv Sena UBT leader Syed Iqbal Syed Khwaja won the mayoral post in the 65 member Parbhani Municipal Corporation. He secured 39 votes, defeating BJP candidate Tirumala Khilare, who received 26. The majority mark stood at 33.
This marks the only municipal corporation where the Uddhav Thackeray led Shiv Sena faction has formed a civic government. The party won 25 seats, emerging as the single largest group. Congress and BJP secured 12 seats each, while the Ajit Pawar led NCP won 11. Together, Shiv Sena UBT and Congress held 37 members in the House.
Parbhani holds political history linked to religious division. In the 1990 Assembly election, the slogan Khan viruddh Ban framed the contest along religious lines. The Shiv Sena then consolidated its base in the region.
Today, the political equation has shifted. Around 42 percent of Parbhani’s population is Muslim. In the recent civic polls, 13 of the 25 elected Shiv Sena UBT corporators were Muslims, including Syed Iqbal.
A first time corporator, Syed Iqbal is a local activist. His brother, Syed Abdul Khadar, has influence in Muslim localities and maintains close ties with party MP Sanjay Jadhav.
After his win, Syed said he would focus on development and serve all communities. BJP leaders criticised the decision, while Congress stated it backed the candidate to keep the BJP out of power and honour alliance commitments.
source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Latest News> Report / by Radiance News Bureau / February 13th, 2026
The Malegaon Secular Front of ISLAM Party and the Samajwadi Party, secured the mayor and deputy mayor posts in the civic body, while AIMIM and BJP stayed away from voting
Malegaon :
Malegaon in Maharashtra has entered a new phase in local politics after the mayor and deputy mayor elections brought a clear win for the ISLAM Party–Samajwadi Party alliance, known as the Malegaon Secular Front. Sheikh Nasreen Khalid was elected mayor, while Shan-e-Hind Nihal Ahmed was chosen as deputy mayor on Saturday.
The election took place in the 84-member Malegaon Municipal Corporation, where 43 votes were needed to secure a majority. With the backing of the Congress, the Malegaon Secular Front reached the required number and took control of the civic body.
Sheikh Nasreen Khalid received 43 votes in the mayoral election. These included 35 councillors from the ISLAM Party, five from the Samajwadi Party, and three from the Congress. Her nearest rival, Shiv Sena candidate Lata Ghodke from the Eknath Shinde group, managed to secure only 18 votes.
All India Majlis Ittehad-ul Muslimeen’s (AIMIM) 21 councillors and the BJP’s two councillors stayed away from the voting process. The BJP, which is part of the ruling alliance at the Centre and in Maharashtra, did not vote in support of the Shiv Sena candidate, dealing a setback to the Shinde faction in Malegaon.
Speaking after her election, Mayor Sheikh Nasreen Khalid said, “This victory belongs to the people of Malegaon. We will work for justice, development, and equal respect for every section of society.”
In the deputy mayor election, Samajwadi Party councillor Shan-e-Hind Nihal Ahmed defeated Shiv Sena’s Advocate Nilesh Kakade by the same margin. Nihal Ahmed secured 43 votes, while Kakade received 18. AIMIM again stayed away, and the BJP did not take part in the vote.
After her win, Deputy Mayor Nihal Ahmed said, “Malegaon has shown faith in secular values. Our duty is to serve the city honestly and listen to the voice of the common people.”
The municipal elections were held on 15 January. Results showed the ISLAM Party emerging as the single largest party with 35 seats. AIMIM won 21 seats, Shiv Sena secured 18, the Samajwadi Party five, Congress three, and the BJP two.
The ISLAM Party was founded by former Congress MLA Sheikh Asif Sheikh Rashid on 20 October 2024. In its first civic election, the party succeeded in winning the mayor’s post, marking a strong start in local politics.
District Collector Ayush Prasad conducted the election as the presiding officer. He said, “The mayor and deputy mayor elections were completed in a peaceful and orderly manner.”
For many residents, the result reflects the political strength and unity of Malegaon’s Muslim-majority population and reinforces their role in shaping the city’s democratic future through the ballot box.
source: http://www.clarionindia.net / Clarion India / Home> Editor’s Pick> India> Indian Muslims / by Team Clarion / February 08th, 2026
Congress leader retains Prabhag 19 seat, credits public trust, service record and cross-community support
Mira-Bhayandar, Thane :
Congress leader Rubina Feroze has returned to the Mira-Bhayandar Municipal Corporation in Thane district of Maharashtra for a second consecutive term, winning from Prabhag No. 19 and leading all four candidates of her panel to victory. Her win stands out in an election largely dominated by the BJP, which saw several smaller parties wiped out.
Rubina, who first won the ward in 2017, secured a fresh mandate from the same constituency. Prabhag 19 has a mixed population of Marathi and Gujarati speakers, with Hindus, Muslims, Christians and Jains living together. Muslims form a small minority in the ward, yet the results reflected broad support cutting across community lines.
Speaking to Urdu daily Inquilab, Feroze said repeated attempts were made to polarise Mira-Bhayandar on religious and linguistic lines. “Over the last three years, there was a clear effort to push the city towards communal tension. Even the Marathi language was dragged into politics last year,” she said.
“Many parties tried to win votes by invoking religion and identity,” she added. “But in ward number 19, that kind of politics did not work. People judged me by my work and by the stand taken by the Congress.”
Overall, the Congress improved its performance in the civic polls, winning 13 corporator seats compared to 12 in the previous election, helping the party avoid a poor showing in the city. Shiv Sena (Shinde faction), backed by state minister Pratap Sir Naik, was restricted to just two seats.
Describing her victory as a responsibility rather than a personal achievement, Rubina Feroze said, “I thank the people of my ward for trusting me again. I will work harder in the new term and address every issue faced by residents.”
During her previous term, she focused on welfare initiatives and local issues, including helping women access government schemes, organising self-defence classes, holding a job fair for unemployed youth, and conducting career guidance programmes for students. She also assisted cancer patients in securing financial aid from the Municipal Corporation.
Residents cited her accessibility as a key factor behind her re-election. “She listens to people and follows up on issues. That is why people from every community voted for her,” a local voter said.
The result is being widely seen as a signal that development-oriented politics and social harmony continue to resonate with voters, even amid a charged political climate.
source: http://www.clarionindia.net / Clarion India / Home> Editor’s Pick> India / by Team Clarion / January 23rd, 2026
Grant Government Medical College and Sir J J Group of Hospitals marked Republic Day with an academic honour for Dr Kashif F Ansari, who received the Best Assistant Professor award from the Dean of the institution. The recognition reflects his teaching record, clinical service, and role in advancing minimally invasive surgery at one of the city’s largest public hospitals.
Dr Ansari serves in the Department of General Surgery and has built a profile in laparoscopic gastrointestinal surgery and laser proctology. Colleagues credit his structured teaching, steady operating room leadership, and work with postgraduate trainees for the award.
The honour follows a major institutional milestone in April 2025, when JJ Hospital performed its first robotic surgeries. Dr Ansari formed part of the core surgical team that completed three complex procedures using robotic systems under senior mentorship and institutional guidance. The operations marked the hospital’s entry into advanced technology based surgery with a focus on affordable public care.
Dr Ansari completed his MS in General Surgery at D Y Patil Medical College, Kolhapur, and later trained in advanced laparoscopic and minimal access surgery. His professional record includes service as Honorary Consultant at Prince Ali Khan Hospital, Masina Hospital, Apollo Hospital, and Noor Hospital. He earlier worked as Senior Resident at Cooper Hospital, Nair Hospital, and Ambedkar Memorial Hospital.
He holds fellowships with national surgical bodies and life memberships with leading professional associations. His research work on difficult laparoscopic cholecystectomy has appeared in a peer reviewed journal.
Faculty members said the award highlights the role of young Muslim medical professionals in public health institutions and their contribution to modern surgical care.
source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Latest News > Report / by Radiance News Bureau / January 27th, 2026
IIT Bombay has marked a proud moment with the conferment of the Padma Shri on Prof Juzer M. Vasi, former Deputy Director and senior academic of the institute. The national honour recognises his lifelong contribution to science and engineering, with a strong focus on semiconductors, microelectronics, and solar energy research.
Prof Vasi has served Indian academia for over four decades. He remains associated with IIT Bombay as Professor Emeritus in the Department of Electrical Engineering. His work spans nanoelectronics, solar photovoltaic deployment in India, global solar PV systems, nanocrystal-based solar cells, and the reliability of solar modules. These areas hold strong relevance for sustainable development and energy access.
An alumnus of IIT Bombay, Prof Vasi completed his B.Tech in 1969. He earned his Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from The Johns Hopkins University in 1973. His academic journey reflects deep commitment to knowledge and public service, values strongly rooted in the Islamic tradition of ilm and community benefit.
Prof Vasi joined IIT Bombay as an Assistant Professor in 1981. He rose through the ranks to serve as Professor, Head of the Electrical Engineering Department, and later as Deputy Director from 2006 to 2009. He also taught at IIT Delhi and served as Visiting Assistant Professor at Johns Hopkins University.
Students and colleagues regard him as a dedicated teacher and institution builder. His leadership strengthened academic standards and research culture at IIT Bombay.
The Padma Shri recognises sustained excellence and service to the nation. For the Muslim community, Prof Vasi’s achievement stands as a reminder of the impact of scholarship, discipline, and ethical pursuit of knowledge in public life.
source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Latest News > Report / by Radiance News Bureau / January 27th, 2026
Parvez Suleman Lakdawala, founder CEO, Grace Group of Companies
Mumbai :
Mumbai-based real estate developer Parvez Suleman Lakdawala, who has played a significant role in building homes for slum dwellers, has received an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Sorbonne of France at the British Parliament for his extraordinary work in real estate and housing infrastructure particularly in slum redevelopment, over the last three decades.
He was given this award during the ‘Sorbonne International Convention’ held at the ‘House of Lords’ in London by the French higher education institution ‘Ecole Supérieure Robert de Sorbonne.’
Speaking about the honour, he said, “I never even dreamt that I would receive such an honour.”
This institution is known worldwide for granting degrees based on professional experience. Speaking after accepting the honorary degree, Lakdawala said, “This is a global success for the slum rehabilitation work I have done through SRA schemes. I have been in this business for 30 years and have completed the construction of 32 buildings so far.”
Parvez Lakdawala was born into poverty in a small hutment in Bandra when conditions in the slums were sub-human, and the residents had to struggle for basic amenities like water.
Parvez recalls that there was a filthy settlement outside his house, and the condition of the household was very poor. For children living in such conditions, even dreaming big was considered a crime.
However, Parvez never let his poverty weaken his resolve to rise above his circumstances.
Despite the fear of dropping out due to poverty, Parvez held onto his education. Studying while living in a slum, he completed his education. Not many know that Parvez Lakdawala, the successful businessman, is a law graduate.
The law gave him discipline in life and the knowledge to fight against injustice. He often says that he prospered in life only because of education.
In 1989, he laid the foundation of the Grace Group of Companies and started working in the real estate sector.
Sorbonne University campus
Around 1995, he worked for the Slum Rehabilitation Authority of Mumbai (SRA) to provide highly subsidized apartments to slum dwellers. At that time, not many builders were willing to work there. Today, he has completed projects of more than 32 grand buildings in Mumbai.
He gave a new face to the homes of the poor by implementing new designs, modern amenities, and innovative concepts.
Earning money was never his sole aim. Having experienced poverty, he empathized with the poor. That is how he bears the educational expenses of thousands of poor children. For parents who cannot afford to pay their children’s school or college fees, Parvez Lakdawala has become a ray of hope. “Allah has given to me so that I can give it back to society,” he says.
During the Corona lockdown, when the entire country was under the shadow of fear, Parvez Lakdawala was working in the streets.
Thousands of labourers with their small children were walking towards their villages. Parvez arranged for vehicles and buses for them. He transported more than 3000 people to their homes.
He also ensured the travelers got food and water. For this work, he received appreciation not only from Mumbai but also from states like Rajasthan.
In a city like Mumbai, where even dreaming of a home is a luxury, Parvez Lakdawala has helped thousands of families get their rightful homes. His journey builds buildings worth crores today, starting from a 250-square-foot house.
The most important aspect of Parvez Lakdawala’s work is the self-respect he has given to the common man. Recalling old memories, he says, “Earlier, people living in slums used to feel ashamed about their address. They regretted their living conditions. Today, when the same people enter flats equipped with all amenities, they proudly disclose their address to others. Giving them the property they deserve and a sense of security gives me the most joy.”
Parvez Lakdawala’s mantra is: Your intention is more important than your destiny. If your intention is good, God comes to your aid and grants you success.
source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Stories / by ATV / posted by Aasha Khosa / January 09th, 2026
The winners in various categories, standing from left, Shonal, Rivaan, and Shiv Tummala. Sitting: Ishaan. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Ishaan Madesh, a seven-time National champion across various categories, held off his sibling Rohaan in both the Pre-Finals and Finals in the Senior Max class for a grand double in the second round of the MECO-FMSCI National Karting Championship Rotax Max Classes at the CoASTT circuit in Coimbatore on Sunday.
Shonal Kunimal from Kozhikode (Birel Art India) and Pune’s Arafat Sheikh (Crest Motorsports) won the Finals and the Pre-Finals respectively in the Junior Max category.
Expectedly, Chennai’s Rivaan Dev Preetham (MSPORT) dominated the newly introduced Mini Max category, winning both the Finals and the Pre-Finals to complete a double, as did Shiv Tummala from Bengaluru (Peregrine Racing), who was an equally facile winner in the Micro Max class, where he comfortably held off his rivals.
