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
Muhammad Umaid Khan, a young Muslim student from Nagpur in Maharashtra, has made his community proud by securing the 21st rank nationwide in the NEET UG exam, a highly competitive medical entrance test in India. Umaid, whose academic journey has been marked by dedication and strong family support, now aims to pursue MBBS from the prestigious AIIMS in New Delhi with the clear goal of serving people through the medical profession.
Umaid Khan, son of Furqan and Shaheen Khan, studied at the Indian Olympiad School in Nagpur from 8th to 12th grade and achieved exceptional academic results, scoring 95.6% in his 10th standard and maintaining a similar level in the 12th grade science stream. Despite clearing the JEE Mains exam earlier, he chose to follow his passion for medicine, driven by a desire to help others.
Speaking exclusively to Clarion India, Umaid shared his study approach: “I studied with a plan and worked hard to achieve my goal. I prepared for NEET at the Alien Coaching Institute in Nagpur. I used to strictly follow my study schedule, revising daily, clearing doubts, and taking mock exams. This routine helped me stay focused and confident.”
Umaid’s success is also a reflection of his strong family backing. His father, Furqan Khan, is a civil engineer, and his mother, Shaheen Khan, manages the home. He has two brothers—Adeel Khan, an engineer, and Areeb Khan, who recently completed his MBBS and is undergoing an internship. Umaid credits their encouragement for his achievement. “My family’s support kept me motivated throughout,” he said.
Sohail Khan, Director of Indian Olympiad School, praised Umaid’s determination: “This student is an inspiration for all students of our school and college and is proof that determination and discipline are the keys to great success. His accomplishment highlights the potential of the Muslim youth when given the right environment.”
Umaid Khan’s story counters common negative stereotypes and showcases the commitment and talent present within the Muslim community. His decision to choose medicine over engineering despite acing both exams reveals a thoughtful choice prioritising public service over personal convenience.
“NEET is a tough exam, but nothing beats discipline, hard work, and consistency,” Umaid advised other students aiming for success. His words reflect the reality that merit and dedication can overcome barriers faced by minority students in India.
Indian Muslims often face challenges, including social prejudice and limited access to quality resources, yet stories like Umaid’s demonstrate their capability to shine at the national level. His journey from Nagpur to a national rank in one of the toughest medical exams in India is a clear sign that Muslim youth are ready and willing to contribute meaningfully to society.
As Umaid prepares for the next step in his career at AIIMS Delhi, he hopes to serve communities like his own and inspire other young Muslims to aim high and work hard. His achievement sends a strong message that with support and determination, Muslims can achieve excellence in education and professional fields.
source: http://www.clarionindia.net / Clarion India / Home> India> Indian Muslims / by Mohammed Bin Ismail / July 08th, 2025
More than seven decades after India achieved independence, the role of innumerable martyrs and freedom fighters who gave their blood and offered lives for the motherland, needs to be remembered.
Many of them got harsh punishments, didn’t get proper last rites, remain forgotten and even those whose sacrifices are known, don’t have monuments or memorials built in their memory.
The martyrdom of Nawab Kadar Ali, and his companions, who planned attack on residency and to take on the East India Company forces in Nagpur, also needs to be recalled. They were hanged here for their role in 1857–the first war of independence.
Though there is no monument named after them and no big memorial, they remain heroes in public memory. The fort that had been a base of 118 Infantry Battalion for years, is opened on three days including August 15 and January 26. Thousands of people arrive on these days, and also pay visit to the grave and offer their respects.
The flame for independence was already lit. History books mention that soon after Meerut, the anger was palpable among soldiers and citizens in this region too. On June 13 1857, a large gathering took place near Mission High School. The soldiers too were anxious and ready.
Scared, some of the East India Compnay officials ran towards Kamptee Cantonment, while others went inside the Sitabuldi Fort. It was due to treachery that the attack plans had been leaked and the news reached British officers. More EIC forces were called from other places to control and overpower the rebels.
Rani Baka Bai, wife of late Raghoji II, was supporting the British and issued a warning that anyone abetting or aiding the revolutionaries would be arrested and handed to the East India Company. It’s a long story and how the soldiers and citizens suffered, refused to name the leaders of the movement.
Historical texts say that the signal of a fire balloon was decided. But after the traitors gave information to East India Company officers, Plowden, the commissioner, ordered a regiment to move into the city. The irregular calvary at Tali was dismayed. Major Arrow tried to get information from ring leaders but no one gave names.
Baka Bai summoned all her relations, and dissuaded them with threats. This chilled the spirit of public. However, later when Company officials’ strengthened their hold, the rebels were identified. Arms were collected and after inquiry, Dildar Khan, Inayatullah Khan, Vilayat Khan and Nawab Kadar Ali were tried and executed.
KILLED, HANGED, BURIED IN A COMMON PIT
The Gazetteer briefly mentions that ‘tucked away between the easter walls of the inner fort and the barracks is a large grave known as Nav Gazah Baba…the grave of Nawab Kadar Ali…and his eight associates..who were killed and hanged by the ramparts of the fort due to their role in the war of independence”.
“They were all buried in a common pit, nine yards long. The fort recalls to our mind the memory of the brave soldiers who fought in an attempt to preserve the independence of the mother land”. It was treachery that was responsible for the arrests and the punishment. Those who helped the British, got ‘jagirs’ as rewards.
Ghulam Rasool ‘Ghamgeen’, the poet, wrote these lines in Farsi :
Choo.n Qadar Ali Khan Ameer Kabeer Shud-az-tohmat, ahl-e-balwa aseer
Duaa’e shahaadat ba-raahe Khuda shab w roz mi kard aa.n mahtada … … Khirad guft ee.n misra-e-silk-e-noor Za-daar-e-jafaa shud ba-daar-e-suroor
The last couplet of this long Persian verse, brings out the ‘tarikh’, the year of execution. The complete verse is mentioned in Dr Mohammad Sharfuddin Sahil’s book ‘Tarikh-e-Nagpur’. It shows the impact of the hangings on the people in the region. Nagpur is geographillcally considered to be a part of Central India and is the biggest city in Vidarbha region of Maharashtra.
The fort for a long period remained the base of 118 Infantry Battalion of Territorial Army. Every year, on August 15 and January 26, fort is opened for public so that it can pay respect to the freedom fighters. It’s also opened on May 1 i.e. Maharashtra Day. [Illustration is representive]
source: http://www.newsbits.in / NEWS Bits / Home> Top News / by Shams Ur Rehman Alavi / August 15th, 2021
City’s Alfiya Khan Pathan became the first-ever Maharashtra woman boxer to win a medal at the ASBC Asian Elite Boxing Championships. On Friday, Alfiya won the gold medal in 81+kg category and is among the four Indian gold medal winners in the women’s section in Amman, Jordan.
Apart from Alifya, Saweety (81kg), Lovlina (75kg) and Parveen (63kg) won the yellow medals for India, 1 silver and 2 bronze. This is Indian women’s third-best performance at the prestigious tournament in terms of winning gold medals, after seven gold medals in 2005 and five in 2003.
The 19-year-old Nagpur girl was declared winner against Islam Husaili when the Jordan boxer was disqualfied by the referee for biting Alfiya on shoulder. Alfiya, the Youth World Champion, went all out from the word go and planted aggressive left-hand punches. The gold medal bout did not last even the full 3 minutes of the first round.
Southpaw Alfiya was so fierce that the Jordan boxer looked clueless in the first 1.5 minutes itself. After a series of punches, Husaili came close to ensure Alfiya could not charge, and in the process bit Alfiya’s shoulder. She was immediately disqualified.
“I am super excited with the result. This is the result of efforts taken by Bhaskar Bhatt sir and his team in the national camp. We had prepared well and it turned out well,” said Afliya while talking to TOI from Jordan.
This result in the final was expected after Alfiya cruised past 2016 world champion Lazzat Kungeibayeva of Kazakhstan in a 5-0 win in the semis. This was the second time this year that Alfiya has defeated Lazzat, having stunned the Kazakh on her own turf in the Elorda Cup in July this year, in what was her senior international debut competition.
“It is an amazing performance by Indian women boxers. Winning four gold medals is a big achievement. It is a result of the hard work put in by Indian boxers, support staff and team in the camp,” chief coach Bhaskar Bhatt told TOI from Jordan. He added, “We got very good support at every juncture from BFI and SAI. We will continue similar practice pattern as we keep our eyes on the 2023 World Championship”.
Alfiya’s feat is a result of her rigorous training at the national camp under Bhatt. After winning the maiden senior category medal in July, Alfiya was called for the senior national camp considering her consistent show in junior, youth and senior international events.
Generally, a player is selected in the national camp on the basis of performance in the senior national championship. On very few occasions, boxers are included in the camp on other criteria, like it happened with Alfiya due to her Kazakhstan success.
Alfiya, who is a daughter of Akram Pathan, ASI at Nagpur Police Headquarters, is yet to play senior nationals but has two international gold medals including the Asian gold won on Friday.
source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / Times of India / Home> News> Sports News> Boxing News (headline edited) / by Pratik Siddharth / TNN / November 12th, 2022
