Tag Archives: Positive News of Muslims of Maharashtra

Motivational Speaker Extraordinaire Saeed Ahmed Changes Lives of Depressed Individuals

Sholapur / Pune, MAHARASHTRA :

Meet the man who is on a mission. He even gave up his lucrative job to completely devote himself to this cause. His goal is to inspire the next generation to become responsible and productive citizens by raising their level of awareness about education. He has been crisscrossing the length and breadth of the country since 2006.

The man is Syed Saeed Ahmed, a distinguished motivational speaker with a multifaceted personality who inspires and motivates others and unearths their hidden potential. He has an amazing sense of spontaneity, an inquisitive mind, and a captivating personality.

Throughout India, he has conducted countless personality development programs for the student fraternity, diverse academic community stakeholders involved in the teaching-learning process, the corporate sector, workers in extremely stressful work environments, and the group of people who accept their fate as pseudo-failures.

Saeed Ahmed’s workshops are widely recognized for their great content and distinctive, compelling style of delivery.

Ranked as one of the leading motivational speakers in India, Saeed Ahmed’s workshops are widely recognized for their great content and distinctive, compelling style of delivery. His energizing classes are intuitive, inspiring participants to realize their full potential, release their innate energy, and develop a burning drive for achievement and personal excellence. They are intended to provide participants with a great deal of energy and vitality, enabling them to advance both personally and professionally.

His successful endeavors to bring back to life pseudo-failures, particularly those with low motivational factors and a criminal past, have grabbed significant media attention. The last few years have seen the frequent publication of pieces celebrating these accomplishments in prominent newspapers, and multiple news channels have aired his pre-recorded interviews on the subject.

Born in Sholapur, a textile town in Maharashtra, Saeed Ahmed did his schooling through the Urdu medium and graduated in geography and political science. He went on to pursue higher learning. After completing his studies in library and information science, he did his post-graduation in the Urdu literature from Shivaji University in Kolhapur. He started his career in a modest capacity as an assistant librarian at a reputable college in Pune.

His early and modest profession served as a palette for shaping him into a multifaceted personality, as he was surrounded by antique and modern books, newsletters, and printed reference material of inter-disciplinary content. Gradually and steadily, he began to embody the roles of an actor, director, dramatist, journalist, writer, peace activist promoting global fraternity, and, most recently, a student. He is currently pursuing a doctorate at Pune University on the extremely relevant subject of “Hindustani stage and tradition of Urdu drama in Maharashtra.”

He is an expert at improving life skills, including stress management, time management, positive thinking, emotion management (for overcoming fear, grief, sorrow, rage, boredom, etc.), and a number of other crucial areas that participants may reveal themselves in. The contents change based on the situation, the amount of time available for engagement, and the participants’ overall characteristics, expectations, and concerns.

The evolution of a nationally renowned motivational speaker can be summed up by examining the thirty years of his career. This shows how a person’s life experiences, some natural and some others artificially created, play a crucial role in shaping a flexible personality that can handle any circumstance with ease. What makes the one and only “Saeed Ahmed” is a combination of his varied experiences with controversial topics and his recording of the algorithms used to address them.

Having spent a significant portion of his career working for an organization, he has encountered the typical challenges that all workers face in today’s cutthroat and materialistic workplace. As he began his dazzling career, he experienced moments of rivalry, envy, and unpleasant camaraderie from coworkers, superiors, and even higher authorities. To nearly all of them, he answered with forbearance, patience, and strengthened willpower. In actuality, they functioned as an oven to solidify his supple clay and imparted to him free psychological counseling, stress management techniques, and elegant interpersonal interactions.

Saeed Ahmed is not just a motivator of the highest caliber; he is also an actor, director, writer, documentary filmmaker, and journalist.

He was connected to several prominent theaters in Lahore, Pakistan, as well as Prithvi (Mumbai), Nehru Centre (Mumbai), Rangshankara (Bangalore), Hamdard University, Delhi, Balgandharva (Pune), and Punjab Naat-shala (Amritsar). He performed widely for an Indian audience with these theater groups, and three of his shows, which were shown consecutively for three years in a row at the “World Performing and Visual Arts Festival” in Lahore, were acclaimed internationally (2004, 2005, 2006). These were “Naquab” by Rafi Peerzada, “Jis Lahore Naee Dekhya” by Dr. Asghar Wajahat, and “Portrait” by Ratnakar Matkari.

Prior to this, most of the plays he directed and performed across the country were “Dhilli Khaat” by Naseem Mannan, “Portrait” by Ratnakar Matkari, “Najat” by Abdul Wahab Lunje, “Nafrat ke Rang” by Kazi Mushtaque Ahmed, and a few plays he wrote himself, including “Sir Sayyed Ahmed Khan (Founder of Aligarh Muslim University)”, “Toba Tek Singh,” a drama based on Saadat Hassan Monto, “Kahain Hai,” and “Dilli Ka Thagh” have received favorable reviews from critics and audiences alike. He made his acting debut as a character actor in the “Sunita” serial that was broadcast on Doordarshan. His drama “Sare Jahan Se Accha” had more than forty performances in Maharashtra.

An audio presentation in the form of an audio cassette, followed by audio CDs, and is currently in the process of creating a documentary directed, produced, and narrated by him about the life of Sir Sayyed Ahmed Khan. He also wrote the book “Sare Jahan Se Accha,” released by the Haji Ghulam Mohammed Azam Educational Trust, Pune.

In addition, he has contributed his expertise to the production of multiple documentaries for Pune-based organizations and cable networks.

Alongside his involvement in theater and the arts, he pursued a career as a professional journalist. From 1995 to 2001, he worked as a correspondent for Mumbai’s daily Inquilab and Munsif of Hyderabad and  Pune’s Urdu fortnightly Usool. He had also interviewed prominent figures.

When asked what inspired him to pursue a career in motivational speaking, he admitted with honesty that I was a shy boy in school with an inferiority complex who was accustomed to self-analysis.

Life is a “give and take” proposition, and the previous decades of my diverse work helped me learn enough to be ready for a “second innings” or platform change, in which I now hope to “give,” and in 2002, I made a lifestyle change, he said. In the year 2006, I left the well-secured job to venture into the turbulent waters of lending my ‘know-how’ for the personality development of all, he added.

About his experiences, he pointed out that materialism is prevalent in Muslim society, and there is a wrong notion prevailing in the society that education is for seeking a job. He stresses the need for “Taleem ke saath Tarbiat.”

Under his All India Educational Awareness 93-day tour, last year he traveled 10,000 km across the seven states and conducted 179 workshops in 134 cities. In the second part of the tour, starting on November 11, 2023, he will travel to 13 states.

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Focus> Pride of the Nation / by Abdul Bari Masoud / November 01st, 2023

Riding on Godavari waves Saad Patel chases Asian Games medal dream

Ahergaon Village (Nipad Region), MAHARASHTRA :

Saad Mohammad Zahirali Patel practicing in the Godavari river

Practicing on the waves of the Godavari River, Saad Mohammad Zahirali Patel is delivering stellar performances in water sports. Since taking up the sport in his 11th grade, he has competed in numerous tournaments and won a trove of medals.

Saad believes that with better infrastructure and government support, he can definitely win a medal for the country in the Asian Games.

Originally from Ahergaon, a village in the Niphad region of Maharashtra, Saad Mohammad comes from a middle-class farming family.

Like other children, his school life was filled with play and fun, but his college years proved to be a turning point for his career. In the eleventh grade, he joined the boat club affiliated with K. K. Wagh College in Pimpalgaon Baswant.

In the seven years since, he has consistently delivered impressive performances.

So far, Saad Mohammad has participated in four All India, six national competitions, one Khelo India event, and six state-level tournaments. He won a gold medal in the 500-meter category at the 2021-22 All India competition held in Chandigarh.

He followed that up with a bronze medal at the same competition in 2023-24. At the national level, his team narrowly missed a medal, finishing in fourth place.

These national competitions taught him a valuable lesson: a single tournament can teach you what hours of practice might not. This realization has driven him to participate in as many competitions as possible.

Saad Mohammad competes in four categories: Single Scull, Double Scull, Four Scull, and Mixed events. At the university level, he was awarded as “Outstanding Athlete of the year 2022-23” by the University. He has secured one gold and one bronze medal.

His journey, both for competitions and year-round training, has been arduous. In the early days, he would work in the fields in the morning before heading for practice. It was a difficult balancing act. Currently, he is in the second year of his post-graduate studies.

Saad Mohammad’s day begins at 5 AM, and he does his workout, followed by practice for four hours. He then goes for practice in the evening.

Saad Mohammad points out that athletes from Maharashtra use “Sunny” or “Cargo” boats in most competitions, while others use modern “Nelo” boats.

“If our state also upgrades our equipment, the number of medal-winning athletes will surely increase.”

source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home / by Arun Malani / August 28th, 2025

Jamia Mohammadia: Islamic and Modern Studies Rule Here With Equal Power

Malegaon, MAHARASHTRA :

Jamia Mohammadia Mansoora, as this complex is named by its founders, is not only an education hub but also a symbol depicting state-of-the art combination of Islamic and modern Indian culture.

Sultan Manzil (Photo: ummid.com)

Malegaon, despite an appalling history of negligence by successive governments at the centre and state, still has the tag of being a town of literate, erudite and cultured masses firmly intact.

True to this identity, the first thing that greets the people entering the town from the western side on the Mumbai-Agra National Highway and touching the banks of Girna River is the grand educational complex.

Mansoora, as this complex is named by its founders, is not only an education hub but also a symbol depicting state-of-the art combination of Islamic and modern Indian culture.

Lush green lawns, buildings of class architecture, classrooms with modern amenities, model computer rooms – one each for boys and girls, well-equipped laboratories, library with valuable collection of rare books, hostel with suitable lodging, playground – enough not only for cricket but also for games like basketball and football, giant mosque with separate arrangement for women having a capacity exceeding 5000 people and what not. The campus stretched on 56 acres of land has everything that parents would love to have for the education of their children.

Moreover, Mansoora is perhaps the only place in India having a dedicated mosque for girl-students where they not only offer prayers five times a day but also it is they who lead the prayers every day. Above all, they have a unique syllabus for study that not only masters them in Islamic as well as Modern subjects but also train them in meeting the emerging challenges.

The brainchild of Maulana Mukhtar Ahmad Nadvi, who with the help of his friend Saith Mohammad Khaleel of Malegaon initially, and single-handedly later on, turned the Mansoora into a model not only for those working eagerly on Madrasa modernization but also for many schools and educational institutions in India where quality education and desired results have become scarce.

The Beginning

King Abdul Aziz University of Saudi Arabia had organised an International Conference in 1975. The theme of this conference was to deliberate on the possibilities to amend the existing Madrasa syllabus followed at the time by most of the Islamic institutions and bring them in line with the modern requirements. Besides Muslim scholars and Ulema from all across the world, Maulana Mukhtar Ahmad Nadvi and noted Muslim scholar Maulana Abul Hasan Ali Miya Nadvi were also invited to the conference. The deliberations on the all-important issue in the conference kept Maulana Mukhtar Ahmad Nadvi impatient throughout the way back to India. He consulted on the matter with Maulana Ali Miya Nadvi and then tirelessly began searching for options to establish a Model Madrasa in India.

Masjid Aisha of Mansoora is the largest Mosque in Malegaon (Photo: ummid.com)

At this juncture, Maulana Mukhtar Nadvi met his friend Saith Mohammad Khaleel of Malegaon in Mumbai. The two men, though living miles away from each other, had many things in common. While Maulana Mukhtar Ahmad Nadvi had the vision and plan to convert his dream into a reality, Saith Mohammad Khaleel had the required resources in plenty.

Simultaneously, Saith Mohammad Khaleel proved a powerful backer and a great motivator for Maulana Nadvi. The combination worked and what Muslim leaders and Islamic scholars dreamt at King Abdul Aziz University, Saudi Arabia in 1975, became a reality in 1979 thousands of miles away in Malegaon.

Mansoora

A man with a vision, Maulana Mukhtar Ahmad Nadvi was also a master in doing things in novel ways. Hence for his dream Education Institute – running on a unique syllabus based on Islamic as well as Modern Education pattern and stretched on 56 acres of land touching the banks of Girna River along the Mumbai-Agra road in Malegaon – chose Mansoora as its name.

Mansoora, as Maulana Mukhtar Nadvi used to recall, in the 9th century was a historic locality in Baghdad. Iraq’s capital Baghdad during that time was the source of wisdom, knowledge and erudition, and a preferred destination for scholars and academicians. People from all across the globe seeking knowledge and wisdom used to converge at Baghdad. In the heart of the city and centre of all academic activities in Baghdad was Mansoora. A thousand years later, Mansoora took rebirth in Malegaon – a small town in North Maharashtra predominated by Muslim population.

A Model Curriculum

For the Curriculum and Syllabus to be followed at Jamia Mohammadia for boys and Kulliyah Aisha Siddiqua for girls – as he named the first two institutions founded by him in Malegaon – Maulana Mukhtar Ahmad Nadvi worked on two levels.

Realising that the existing Dars-e-Nizami – normally followed by the Mada’ris (plural of Madrasa) in India – is not sufficient to meet the emerging challenges and requirements of even the Islamic studies, he after consulting renowned academicians and scholars of the time, introduced suitable and needful amendments in it.

Abdul Latif Ali Al Shaya Faculty of Engineering, Mansoora (Photo: ummid.com)

At the same time, he introduced the modern subjects like Science and Mathematics, and also the languages like English, Hindi and Marathi for students that included boys and girls both. Finally, the curriculum that came into being out of his efforts was a perfect combination of Islamic and Modern Education pattern.

Simultaneously, he meticulously worked for obtaining the all-important affiliation and recognition from the state education board, and also from the Indian and foreign universities. Thanks to the determination, commitment and speed with which he worked, both of his institutes were very soon recognised by the Mahrashtra State Secondary Board and also by Jamiah Islamia, Madinah Munawwarah, Saudi Arabia and Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi.

Mansoora: A Force to Reckon With

Due to the hard-work it needed on the part of the students as well as the teachers, the curriculum was really tough when introduced in the beginning. However, once it was on the roll, results started pouring in consistently and with surprising rewards. The Jamia students – both boys and girls, soon found them not only scoring excellently in Islamic studies but also coming with flying colors in state board exams.

Kulliyah Aisha Siddiqua for girls

However, the brightest moment for Mansoora came in 2008-09 when one of its students Abdur Rehman along with sixteen others created history at Jamia Islamia Madinah Munawwara, Saudi Arabia. While Abdur Rehman topped his faculty and bagged student of the year award, sixteen others from Mansoora cleared the University exams with distinction. The results were so impressive that Jamiah Islamia sent its Head of the Education Department to Mansoora. He specially traveled from Saudi Arabia to Malegaon to have a personal and first-hand account of the way students are taught.

JMES Goes National

After he succeeded in his mission, Maulana Mukhtar Ahmad Nadvi invited people from various places – specially those who were part of the deliberations with him at King Abdul Aziz University in 1975 – to have the first hand experience of what was dreamt in that conference. At the same time, while extending all supports, he urged them to replicate the model in their localities.

Independence Day Celebrations at Jamia Mohammadiya Mansoora, Malegaon

However, when he found some of them wary and some others hesitant, he took it upon himself to do the job. Soon JMES spread its wings to other parts of the country and established branches at Maunath Bhanjan, Aakot, Dhule, Bangalore, Mahesla and Mewaat – all running on the Mansoora pattern and affiliated to the respective state boards.

Future Ambitions

The Mission was partly accomplished. Maulana Mukhtar Ah Nadvi died September 9, 2007. Behind him he left, besides Mansoora in Malegaon and a chain of education institutes spread all across the country, an able and equally ambitious son Arshad Mukhtar. At the helm of the affairs now, Arshad is smartly following his father’s footsteps. His dream is to convert Mansoora into a big University – capable of offering every subject that exists on the earth.

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[The writer, Aleem Faizee, is Founder Editor of ummid.com. Aleem Faizee has also worked as a Researcher at Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) and with Action Aid for its research work published as “BROKEN PROMISES -A study on the socio-economic status of Indian Muslims: Seven years post Sachar”. His research work “Mollywood: The Rise and Fall of a Subaltern Cinema” is part of the book “Creative Industries in India” published by Routledge India of Taylor and Francis Group, London. A prolific writer, Aleem Faizee has also wrote for The Times of India as a Freelance Journalist for over 10 years. The above article was originally published on January 22, 2010.]

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source: http://www.ummid.com / Ummid.com / Home> Education & Career / by Aleem Faizee, ummid.com news network / August 20th, 2025

Dr Anwar Siddiqui Honoured with Influential Ayurvedacharya Award

Nagpur, MAHARASHTRA :

Nagpur:

Dr Anwar Siddiqui, head of Panchakarma at Shri KR Pandav Ayurveda College and founder of Kerala Ayurveda & Panchakarma, received the Influential Ayurvedacharya Award from Sakal and Baidyanath. The award recognized his contributions to Ayurvedic medicine and social service.

The event was attended by Union minister Nitin Gadkari, Baidyanath’s managing director Suresh Sharma, and 45 leading Ayurveda doctors from across India. Dr Siddiqui, a BAMS and MD in Panchakarma from Poddar Government Ayurveda College in Mumbai, also holds a Master’s degree in Sanskrit. He has authored the book Ayurvedic Detoxification in Obesity, published in Germany.

With more than two decades of practice, Dr Siddiqui has gained recognition for treating chronic illnesses through Panchakarma therapy. During the Covid-19 pandemic, he helped set up a free hospital in Pachpaoli, strengthening his reputation for service to both healthcare and the community. Dr Siddiqui is a prominent leader associated with Jamaat-e-Islami Hind and a member of its Maharashtra State Advisory Council.

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Latest News> Report / by Radiance News Bureau / August 24th, 2025

“I will serve community as there are few Muslim women doctors” says Arshiya, second ranked in Maharashtra Medical Entrance

Solapur, MAHARASHTRA :

Arshiya with her mother Dr Nusrat Choudhari

Solapur: 

It was a moment of joy and ecstasy for 18 years old Arshiya Choudhari of Solapur when she was announced second topper in Maharashtra state conducted Common Entrance Test MHT-CET 2016 for admissions to Medical courses and can now choose college of her choice for MBBS admission.

The Maharashtra Common Entrance Test (MH CET) exam was held on May 5, 2016 for which results were declared on Wednesday.

A student of A D Joshi College, Arshiya scored 199 marks out of 200 and declared second topper. She has also topped HSC exams in the state this year by scoring 97.85% (636 out of 650 marks).

The feat is very special for Arshiya because she herself prepared for the exam by dedicating 6-7 hours daily for study at home after HSC exams. “I did not join any private classes but relied upon self study at home. I am happy that I could score this much and prove people that private coaching is not always required if you have dedication”, Arshiya told TwoCircles.net.

She is now aiming to complete MBBS course and then she will decide about specialization or masters.

“I want to pursue MBBS from KEM College in Mumbai. After completing degree I will decide whether to go for administrative services or masters”, She added.

However, in any case she wants to connect with the people and serve them. “I am very eager to serve people. I see there are very few Muslim woman doctors and therefore I decided to become a doctor”, she told when asked why she chose to become a doctor.

Speaking with TwoCircles.net Yunus Choudhary, father of Arshiya expressed delight and said she is free to take admission into the college of her choice.

Yunus, who is a Jr. Engineer in water supply department in Solapur told, “I was confident that she will clear CET with excellent marks as she is a hard working girl. I will not restrict her from joining any college for MBBS”.

Nusrat, mother of Arshiya is a practicing doctor and wish to see her daughter serving the community by becoming a doctor. “I want Arshiya to become a successful doctor”, she told.

The Maharashtra Common Entrance Test (MH CET) is an entrance examination conducted by the Directorate of Medical Education and Research with an intention to provide admissions into various graduation courses for Engineering and Medicine streams.

The medical entrance examination has been in news since May 4 when a Supreme Court order made it mandatory for medical aspirants to take the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET). However, following several protests from parents and state education ministers, the President passed an ordinance that reversed the Supreme Court verdict partially.

Therefore for Maharashtra, admissions to medical and dental colleges will be done through the MHT-CET scores for this year.

source: http://www.twocircles.net / TwoCircles.net / Home> India News> Indian Muslim> Women> Youth / by A Mirsab, TwoCircles.net / June 04th, 2016

Jahangir Shaikh: A guardian of unclaimed dead bodies

Solapur, MAHARASHTRA :

For most people, social activities is defined as work carried out by people with the aim of alleviating the living conditions of those people in a community suffering from social deprivation. They strive for helping the poor and deprived people to live a better life. By this definition, it also implies that social work is for the living.

But what about people who are dead?

This question, and the answer to it, is what makes Jahangir Shaikh, a 47-year-old resident of Solapur, an exception. His social activity starts after he finds an unclaimed dead body. Once he discovers an unclaimed body, he assumes its guardianship and lays the body to its final abode.

“Initially I started to give gusl (bath) to unclaimed Muslim bodies on the request of Police. Later, I started doing it for people of other religions too”, Jahangir shares his journey of the past ten years; about a cause rarely undertaken by people.

Jahangir, a devout Muslim, first received a phone call in 2007 from a Muslim policeman who knew he can give gusl to unclaimed dead body. Jahangir had rushed to the spot and completed funeral right of a fellow Muslim.

“That was the first instance after which devotion for performing last right of unclaimed body arose inside me and thereafter I made it a duty to attend such bodies”, he recalls.

Jahangir’s strange choice of social work iniitally caught people by surprise, but he never doubted his commitment. “People disliked my work and they would treat me as an inferior individual but that did not stop me from carrying out the work that I supposed as my duty. I would pray to the almighty to strengthen me so that people’s objections do not hold me back,” Jahangir says, when talking about the initial days.

His family also strongly objected to this kind of work but he managed to convince them to allow him to continue doing it.

“I told them that I don’t do it for earning money; burying these bodies gives me pleasure as I became a guardian for them. They felt awkward initially, but gradually they got accustomed “, Jahangir explains how he convinced his family.

Till today Jahangir has performed last rites of as many as 1,600 people, out of which 1,400 were non Muslims. As he is used to of giving gusl, he is also called by people for giving gusl to their relatives. In return, they give him hadiya (gift).

But one might wonder; what is his main profession and source of living? For that, he cooks food in social functions. However, he is always on his toes when he gets to know about any unclaimed dead body either at a hospital or the police station.

Jahangir’s dedication to what he called his ‘duty’, and his sincerity towards this soon made him famous in Solapur. He started receiving phone calls from police stations and hospitals for burying unclaimed bodies. His amazing sense of kindness towards the unattended also moved many people; a few years ago, a young Muslim businessman Salman Shaikh took notice of his noble service and donated a second-hand Ambulance to help him carry out the work more efficiently.

“I was impressed with his dedication towards the work. The charred and blood-soaked bodies that a normal man don’t even look at, he would offer them a bath and bury them”, a bewildered Salman explains why he donated ambulance to him.

However, a couple of years after he got the ambulance, it met with an accident while carrying a body of little girl. This damaged the vehicle substantially and Jahangir too was injured in the accident. However, this did not break his determination and he bought two ambulances on loan and again started his service to the community. He got support from his son, who took a loan to buy an ambulance for Jahangir.

With some likeminded friends, he also formed the Baitul maal Shifa Committee through which he raises fund by collecting zakat (compulsory charity) or sadqa (voluntary charity) from people. However, he does not use this fund for performing last rites. Instead, he and friends pay money from their pockets for funerals and use the fund raised for poor patients admitted in hospitals.

“We use collected fund to help patients in buying medicines and other medical expenses”, Jahangir says with cheerful face.

When asked if police or hospitals pay him for carrying and burying bodies, he says, “They give Rs 300 but we give this money to the boys who help in carrying bodies to ambulance and dig holes for burial.”

For other expenses related to performing last rites: kafan (white cloths) and attar (perfume), Jahangir and his friends spend money from their own pocket.

His dedication has led to many people offering him voluntary service whenever needed. Currently, his Shifa committee has some active members: Gulam Shaikh, Zainuddin Nadaf, Sameer Shaikh, Daula Kumthe, Babulal Phaniband, Rashid Chaudhari and Shakila Shaikh are always ready to join hands with Jahangir.

Irfan S.M, a social activist and an educational personality from Solapur has nothing more than praises for Jahangir for his distinguished work.

“He is into this task of voluntary work and selfless service to humanity, it is really remarkable. Thousands of people are engaged in different social and religious activities but this is unique. There should be one Jahangir in every city”, Irfan says.

Imran Inamdar contributed to this story

source: http://www.twocircles.net / TwoCircles.net / Home> Indian Muslim> Youth / by A Mirsab, TwoCircles.net / October 07th, 2016

Bakhtiyar Tangsal, eminent journalist from Solapur, is no more

Solapur, MAHARASHTRA :

Solpaur (Maharashtra): 

Bakhtiyar Ibrahim Tangsal, a senior English journalist, social worker and an Urdu poet from Solapur district passed away on Tuesday at the age of 54. Tangsal was suffering from a kidney disease for the last four years.

Tangsal forayed into the field of Journalism in late 90s, when the number of Muslims in the field of journalism, especially the ones educated in Urdu-medium schools, was extremely low.

Tangsal broke many barriers by joining Indian Express and proved himself in a very short time and started emerging as an outstanding journalist of the district. He also worked with Navbharat Times and Financial Express.

Tangsal was also a well-known Urdu poet and in 2013, when he was suffering extensively, he started publishing Urdu Daily ‘ Solapur Milaap’. Although he was running it successfully, his health and dialysis process couldn’t allow him to run it further. He always wanted muslims youth to choose journalism as a career or at least do it as part time job or hobby. In 1996 he started free journalism classes to train 20 youths to become journalists. Unfortunately, only two students: Ziyauddin Momin and Imran Inamdar remained in touch with him till his last breath.

He was equally popular in other community people and journalist community too.Today’s strong NGO of reporters ,Solapur dist shramik Patrakar Sangh.(Working journalist association) is the result of his efforts . He was the founder president of the same.

Mahmud Nawaz, a young teacher and a social worker, said it was a huge loss for the community. “He was not only a good journalist, but a great social worker too. He promoted young talents, providing them with all kinds of assistance. His role during 2002 riots and establishing relief committee was really remarkable,” said Nawaz.

source: http://www.twocircles.net / TwoCircles.net / Home> Indian Muslim> Youth / by Imran Inamdar, TwoCircles.net / October 07th, 2016

Our youths have to change the direction of thinking : Salman Taj Patil IPS

Solapur, MAHARASHTRA :

Salman Taj Patil

In 2012 Salman Taj Patil cracked the UPSC exam in first attempt and became the first Muslim IPS officer from Solapur.  In this candid conversation with Imran Inamdar the 31 year old talks of issues concerning the Muslim community, of the state of education among Muslims and of his own preparation for UPSC a few years ago.

How did you manage to achieve this feat?

I immersed myself into the preparation completely. There was only one aim in my mind and that was to crack UPSC. My parents provided very good emotional support and my father Mr. Jafar Taj always encouraged me saying that ‘you are too energetic and brilliant, you can easily crack UPSC, just focus on your studies and be consistent.’

Who is your role model and Why?

 Being a Muslim obviously Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) is my role model. He has showed us the complete way of life. My parents are also firm pillars of support for me. They are always there to guide me.

How to study to appear for UPSC exam?

The preparation starts at school level. Reading news papers, taking part in extracurricular activities, essay writing, debate competition play a key role. One needs to be updated about all current events. Critical analysis is also very important and it improves and polishes writing skill. Practice makes a man perfect. Nobody comes to the world with all the knowledge and skills. Effort, positive atmosphere, focus and support of near and dear ones matters most.

Why are Muslim youths far behind in cracking UPSC exam?

This is very important question. In my opinion our educational infrastructure and negative mentality are fully responsible for this. It has been hammered that qualifying this exam is very difficult or nearly impossible for minority community youth. This type of thinking is damaging and we should come out from this depressing thinking. It is a very fair competition. Achievement is a result of hard work only.  It’s time to change our direction of thinking.  When we focus and work hard Allah also helps us.

How do you feel serving as an IPS officer?

It’s a wonderful experience. In fact working as a police officer is a great social work itself where one gets an opportunity to help the oppressed, put criminal behind bars and provide safety and security to women and children. For this service we are getting salary from the government and will surely get Ajar (reward) from Allah too.

Sachar committee reports reveal tremendous decline of Muslims in India in all walks of life. What are the reasons behind it?

We are ourselves responsible for this backwardness. We don’t follow the path of Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) and teachings of Quran which shows the complete way of life. We don’t read, and think over it. ‘Iqra’ which means read was the very first Quranic word to be revealed. How many of us follow the same? Education should be on our top priority specially girls’ education.

During studies what did you do to relieve stress?

I used to study for about 10 to 12 hours a day. That was hectic so I played cricket with friends and took a walk in the park to get myself mentally fresh again. And horse riding is also my hobby.

source: http://www.muslimmirror.com / Muslim Mirror / Home> Exclusive Reports> Indian Muslim> Interviews / by admin / June 26th, 2016

How a research centre in Solapur is trying to remind Indians of their common, secular history

Solapur, MAHARASHTRA :

In recent times, the country’s past has become an extremely polarising point for its citizens. Many people have been brainwashed to believe that the advent of Islam in India and the subsequent period of Muslim rule across major parts of India was a period of dark ages.

However, it is also no secret that many scholars have convincingly argued otherwise, and now a Solapur-based Research Centre is doing the same. Named after pioneering activist Advocate Sayed Shah Gaziuddin, the centre is publishing books in Marathi and Urdu languages to help people understand and value the secular fabric of the nation.

The inspiration for this works comes from the life and works of Advocate Sayed Shah Gaziuddin, who strongly believed in social binding and communal harmony and always wanted Muslims to be aware of the social conditions of India.

Through his Urdu books, he introduced life and work of many social reformers, including Jyoti Ba Phule, Shahu Maharaj, Dr. B.r Ambedkar and Chhatrapati Shivaji. Dr. Ambedkar Hayat aur Karname ( Life and work of Dr Ambedkar) and Urdu translation of Govind Pansare’s Marathi Book “Shivaji Kon Hota” ( Who was Shivaji) are masterpieces of his literary work.

After Adv. Gaziuddin passed away in January 2014 at the age of 79, some of his like-minded friends decided to establish a research centre to continue his vision and mission. In January 2015, the centre came into existence and started extending its literary services. Taking a cue from the works of Gaziuddin, his friends also started working on similar projects.

Sarfaraz Ahmed’s Marathi book on Tipu Sultan became popular in a very short time, with the book selling over 10,000 copies in a year. The fourth edition of the book is now ready to hit the market. Apart from a book on Tipu Sultan, Ahmed has also written Marathi books on Haider Ali, scholars of Medieval India.

Also, Prem Hanvate’s “ Shivranche Muslim Sainik” ( Muslim soldiers of Shivaji ) was translated into Urdu by Sayed Wayez, the English book of Sayed Dawood “The Administration of the Deccan during Aurangzeb” has been translated into Urdu by Sayed Ismail.

In total, ten books have been published till now and work on some more books are in full swing, with ten young people also volunteering with the centre.

Talking about the centre, Vice president of the centre Ram Gaikwad said, “Late Adv. Gaziuddin was a dedicated progressive activist he has done a superlative job of bringing out the real history of social reformers of the majority community. His History research helps us in spreading brotherhood among Marathas and Muslims.

For the last ten years, I am also a part of his historical research panel and fortunately got an opportunity to continue this social work under his name.”

According to founder member and young historian Sarfaraz Ahmed identity of each and every community is based on its iconic personalities and social character is based on its history. “We carry out publication work by collecting donations from members. All the members from across Maharashtra are volunteers and they are all the under 30.

I must thank Sayed Ismail (Osmanabad) Sahil Shaikh (Sangli) Asif Mujawar (Latur), Kaleem Azeem (Pune) Prof. Mujeeb Kazi (Ambajogai) our President Samiullah Sheikh, Secretary Adv. Mahboob Kotimbre, Vice President Ram Gaikwad, Sayed Shah Wayez and our advisors B.G Kolse Patil, Shrimant Kokate, Sayed Iftikhar and M.I sheikh for their contributions.”

source: http://www.twocircles.net / TwoCircles.net / Home> Indian Muslim> Lead Story / by Imran Inamdar, TwoCircles.net / August 13th, 2018

The Muslim changemakers of Maharashtra

MAHARASHTRA :

Muslim changemakers of Maharashtra

New Delhi :

Awaz-The Voice, through its ‘The Changemakers’ series, has introduced readers to inspiring figures from Uttar Pradesh, Assam, and Jammu & Kashmir.

Starting July 6, we will feature ten remarkable changemakers from Maharashtra.

These individuals not only embody the state’s vibrant and progressive legacy but are also shaping a future that is tolerant, equitable, harmonious, and inclusive.

Working quietly away from the limelight, their impactful contributions are being brought to the public through Awaz-The Voice. Here’s a glimpse into their inspiring journeys.

Dr. Farah Anwar Husain Shaikh

Dr. Farah Anwar Husain Shaikh leads the Mis Farah Charitable Foundation in Pune’s Dapodi, delivering health, education, and disaster relief to communities. Her bold advocacy for Muslim women’s right to pray in mosques challenges deep-rooted traditions, earning her a doctorate in social work and women’s empowerment. Her story is that of the struggle for equality, Farah’s tireless efforts are transforming lives and reshaping Pune’s social landscape, making her a beacon of grassroots change.

Paigambar Shaikh

Rationalist Paigambar Shaikh is redefining tradition with his “Economic Qurbani” initiative from Pune, transforming the Eid al-Adha sacrifice into a force for community growth. By channeling resources into education, microfinance, and health camps, he blends faith with practicality. He is inspired by the Satyashodhak movement. His innovative approach fosters sustainable development and communal harmony in Maharashtra’s far-flung areas, marking him as a visionary changemaker.

Marziya Shanu Pathan

Marziya Shanu Pathan, 24, is an activist. From leading a march for Malala Yusufzai at age 12 to organizing the vibrant Mumbra-Kausa Children’s Festival, she champions women and youth in her township. Her blend of fiery activism and community initiatives is uplifting Mumbra, proving her dedication to a brighter, more inclusive future.

Hazrat Ali Sonikar and Munir Shikalkar

In Sangli’s agricultural heartland, Hazrat Ali Sonikar and Munir Shikalkar are empowering the Muslim community through grassroots activism. Hazrat rallies youth with awareness campaigns and workshops, while Munir bridges gaps with local authorities to secure resources. Their collaborative manifesto, amplifying education and employment, is reshaping the future of the community, showcasing the power of local action.

Sakib Gore

In Badlapur, Maharashtra, Sakib Gore is lighting up lives through his ‘Vision Friend Sakib Gore’ initiative, driven by his grandmother’s struggle with blindness. With a belief that glasses are more than a fashion statement—they’re a lifeline to sight—he’s brought eye exams to 2.6 million people, distributed 1.7 million free spectacles, and facilitated 63,000 free cataract surgeries. His ‘Devabhau’ glasses, priced at just 33 rupees, earned him global acclaim and the ‘System Leader Award’ at a World Summit in Kathmandu. Reinvesting every profit into free glasses for the poor, Sakib’s mission is simple but profound: to lift the visually impaired out of darkness, one pair of eyes at a time.

Sarfaraz Ahamad

Solapur’s Sarfaraz Ahamad, a 41-year-old historian, brings Maharashtra’s Deccan heritage to life through his eight books. His books include the acclaimed Hyder Ali, Tipu Sultan, and The Sultanate-e-Khudadaad. As a founder member of the Ghaziuddin Research Center which promotes objective historical research. His writings in Marathi, Hindi, Urdu, and English captivate readers. Sarfaraz’s work is reviving cultural pride and inspiring a new generation of scholars.

Sabah Khan

Sabah Khan’s NGO Parcham based in Mumbara, empowers girls through football, challenging norms and building confidence among them. Khan, 50, fosters gender equality and religious harmony, securing a dedicated football field and launching the Savitri-Fatima Foundation to support education and economic growth. Sabah’s transformative work offers Mumbra’s youth a vibrant path to self-discovery.

Afroz Shah

Mumbai’s Afroz Shah, a 42-year-old lawyer, turned Versova Beach into the site of the world’s largest clean-up, removing 20 million kilograms of trash. Afroz Shah Foundation now tackles rivers and waste culture, earning him the UN’s ‘Champion of the Earth’ title. From slums to schools, his “dates with the ocean” inspire thousands, proving one man’s grit can spark a movement.

Dr. Sabiha Inamdar

In Nashik, 43-year-old Dr. Sabiha Inamdar, an intimacy and relationship coach, is breaking taboos around sexual wellness. She creates safe spaces for women and couples to discuss intimacy and emotions openly. What makes Dr. Sabiha’s work important is her commitment to normalizing healthy conversations around sex, emotions, and interpersonal connection—especially for women. Her workshops shift mindsets, fostering healthier relationships and emotional well-being across Maharashtra.

Hussain Mansuri

Mumbai’s Hussain Mansuri, a 40-year-old philanthropist with 7.8 million Instagram followers, spreads compassion across the city’s streets. From feeding street kids to caring for stray animals, his quiet acts of kindness, rooted in Islamic values, touch countless lives. Whether delivering meals near Tata Hospital or comforting the grieving,

Hussain’s selfless mission ripples far beyond Mumbai.

source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> The Changemakers / posted by Aasha Khosa, ATV / July 05th, 2025