Tag Archives: Positive News of Muslims of Uttar Pradesh

AMU’s Nabeela Khan shines as Uttar Pradesh clinches gold at 2025 Roller Skating Derby Championship

Aligarh, UTTAR PRADESH :

Nabeela Khan, a B.Sc. Biochemistry student from the Women’s College at AMU.

Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) continues to make headlines, not just in academics but also in sports. Nabeela Khan, a B.Sc. Biochemistry student from the Women’s College at AMU, played a pivotal role in leading Uttar Pradesh to a gold medal at the prestigious Federation Cup 2025 Roller Skating Derby Championship held in Bikaner, Rajasthan.

Representing Team Uttar Pradesh, Nabeela demonstrated outstanding skill and determination throughout the tournament. Her performance was instrumental in securing strong victories during the pool stage, including a dominant 44–11 win over Tamil Nadu. In the final, her team put up an equally impressive show, defeating the host team Rajasthan 26–12 to clinch the championship title.

Adding further pride to the university, Syeda Laiba Ali, a recent Class X graduate from AMU, was also part of the victorious state team. Her selection highlights AMU’s growing emphasis on promoting women’s participation in sports and nurturing young talent.

Nabeela’s selection to the state team followed a standout performance during a 10-day intensive training camp in Mohali in 2024. Her speed, consistency, and strategic play caught the attention of national selectors. No stranger to competitive success, Nabeela has already won five medals on the National Roller Derby Circuit, including three golds.

Remarkably, she balances her athletic pursuits with academic excellence. Nabeela has cleared the NEET examination twice, showcasing her dedication to both sports and studies. Her journey reflects the holistic environment AMU fosters—where students are encouraged to pursue excellence in all spheres.

With achievements like these, AMU is reinforcing its reputation as a nurturing ground for talent, empowering women like Nabeela and Laiba to shine on national platforms. Their success stories continue to inspire the next generation of student-athletes at the university. — With Agencies Inputs

source: http://www.muslimmirror.com / Muslim Mirror / Home> Indian Muslim> Women / by Muslim Mirror Desk / July 10th, 2025

Ather Siddiqi: Journey as a Zoologist, Scholar, and Urdu Literary Maestro

Sahranpur, UTTAR PRADESH / NEW DELHI :

Ather Siddiqi was a researcher of eminence in his field and his research has been nationally and internationally recognised in the scientific world.

Professor Ather H. Siddiqi was born on December 29, 1931, in Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh. He attained his early education at the Govt. High School, Saharanpur and obtained the degrees of B.Sc. (1950) and M.Sc. (1953) from A.M.U. Topping the university in Science and Zoology, he received two gold medals. He did his PhD in 1956 under the supervision of Professor Babar Mirza from Aligarh Muslim University.

Ather Siddiqi joined the Department of Zoology as a lecturer in 1953. After three years, he joined Purdue University, USA and completed another doctorate in 1958. He became a reader in 1961 and was appointed as a professor in 1977. Prof. Siddiqi also taught at universities in Nigeria and Libya and returned to India in 1980. He served as the Chairman of the Department of Zoology (1985-88) and as the President of the Indian Society for Parasitology. He also served as the Dean of the Faculty of Life Science in 1988-89, finally retiring from his services in 1994.

His scientific work on helminth taxonomy was published by the New York Academy of Sciences in the form of an exhaustive monograph. Despite that, he received his basic training in classical zoology in the early sixties. Later on, he switched to experimental work in parasitology. Ather Siddiqi was a researcher of eminence in his field and his research is nationally and internationally recognised in the scientific world.

Siddiqi’s Immersion in Urdu Writing

Apart from research articles, his popular writing in Urdu started in the 1980s. His first article in Urdu appeared on the life and scientific contribution of his mentor Professor Babar Mirza in the Quarterly “Fikr-o-Nazar” (January 1987). He published two articles in the early years of “Tehzib-ul-Akhlaq”, Aligarh: ‘Ilm-ul-Hayatiat ke Isatiza se Khitab’ (December 1987), ‘Mohammad Babar Mirza-Apnay Chaman ka Aik Deedawar’ (August 1989).

After his retirement in 1994, he devoted himself completely to Urdu writing. His lengthy article, ‘Mashriq say bezar na Maghrib say Hazar Kar’ narrateing the scientific and cultural activities of European countries was serialised in January 2005-June 2006 issues of “Tehzib-ul-Akhlaq”.

Similarly, his Urdu travelogue ‘Saat Haftay Inglistan Main’ (Seven Weeks in England) was published in the June and July 2006 issues of “Tehzib-ul-Akhlaq”. It carried interesting information regarding the scientific and cultural development of England.

His article based on his visit to Spain ‘Undlus Ka Shandaar Mazi’ (The Bright Past of Spain) discussed the scientific and cultural development of medieval Spain.

Ather Siddiqi along with Syed Zillur Rahman, contributed a chapter, ‘Aligarh Muslim University: Development and Progress of Science Teaching and Research, 1877-1947’ in Science and Modern India: An Institutional History, c. 1784-1947 (ed. Uma Das Gupta), Centre for Studies in Civilisation published in 1999.

A Glimpse into his Published Works

He is regularly contributing a literary column ‘Hairat Sarai Ke Kahania’ to “Tehzib-ul-Akhlaq” which consists of the translation of interesting short stories taken from the internet.

Recently, his popular science articles ‘Parasitism: Aik Dilchasp Tareeq Zindagi’ (Parasitism is an Interesting Way of Life) and ‘Yek khuliya Tufailiati Beenariyan’ (Unicell parasitic diseases) appeared in the February 2022 and February 2023 issue, respectively, of the Urdu monthly ‘Aajkal’, Delhi.

After retirement, Ather Siddiqi devoted himself to Urdu writing and authored, translated and edited dozens of books. The names of some of his books are: ‘Kiya aur meri Hayat Kiya’, ‘Lizzat Aabla Pai’, ‘Nishat Aabla Pai’, ‘Hairat Sarai ke Kahaniyan’ (Vol. 1, 2, 3, 4). In 2022, he published “Rah wa Rasam Aashnai”, his last book. He also rendered Retd IAS officer Musa Raza’s book, “Land of Regrets: Kashmir”, in Urdu as “Kashmir Sarzamin Pashemani”.

Ather Siddiqi was one of the best teachers, an internationally acclaimed Zoologist, and a passionate Urdu writer. And above all, he was a wonderful human being. He passed away on 8th November, 2023, in Delhi at the age of 92 years due to old age illness.

References:

 Tehzib-ul-Akhlaq, Aligarh (various issues)
 Science and Modern India: An Institutional History, c. 1784-1947 (ed. Uma Das Gupta), Centre for Studies in Civilisation, New Delhi, 1999.

source: http://www.heritagetimes.in / Heritage Times / Home / by Dr Asad Faisal Farooqui

Book: Ansaris of Yusufpur

Yusufpur (GhazipurDistrict), UTTAR PRADESH :

Synopsis

A fascinating history of Ansaris who began their journey in this mortal world a few thousand years ago in the peninsula of Arabia, then called Araba.

As Islam grew and took in its fold various other lands and nations, Ansars, being valiant warriors, became part of just about every major battle that took place from Badr to Constantinople, Qandahar, Herat, and finally to India.

Ansaris were not mere bystanders as history unfolded; they played significant roles and made valuable contributions in the fields of religion, medicine, literature, law, politics and media, no matter which part of the world they chose to settle in.


Since this book is about a branch of Ansaris who arrived in India, i.e. the Ansaris of Yusufpur, they will be covered in depth.

However, as the first book on Ansaris in English language, it would also be of interest to all Ansaris whose ancestors moved from Madinah-e-Munawwara to other countries of the Gulf, Middle East, Iran, Afghanistan, India, Pakistan and other parts of the world.

It is, after all, a common lineage and history that all Ansaris share from the pre-Islamic era and this book provides a ready reference to the origin and history of their ancestors.


This book is a fascinating history of Ansaris who began their journey in this mortal world a few thousand years ago.

As the first book on Ansaris in English language, it would also be of interest to all Ansaris whose ancestors moved from Madinah-e-Munawwara to other countries of the Gulf, Middle East, Iran, Afghanistan, India, Pakistan and other parts of the world.

source: http://www.kobo.com / Rakuten Kobo / Home> Biography & Memoir / by Mahmud Ansari

Zohra Ansari, the Freedom Fighter Who Taught Urdu to Mahatma Gandhi and Sold Her House to Fund Congress

Yusufpur (GhazipurDistrict), UTTAR PRADESH / NEW DELHI / London, U. K :

Begum Zohra Ansari sold away ‘Dar-us-Salam’ to raise party funds and worked for the victory of the candidates of the Indian National Congress and for the defeat of the candidates of the Muslim League, who wanted partition.

Begum Zohra Ansari, an activist of the Indian National Movement whom Mahatma Gandhi addressed as “Vasthad Bi, was born in Delhi. She was the adopted daughter of freedom fighters, Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed Ansari and Begum Shamsunnisa Ansari.

Besides playing an important role in the National Movement, her parents provided hospitality to leaders and a cadre of the Indian National Movement and scholars and people of repute in different walks of life in their residence ‘Dar-us-Salam’.  It was very spacious like a royal palace.

While Begum Shamshunnisa Ansari was busy in these responsibilities, Zohra helped her. Thus she had an opportunity to see from close-quarters leaders such as Mahatma Gandhi, Pandit Motilal Nehru, and the Ali Brothers and to serve them. Right from childhood she evinced interest in literature, history, and social sciences. She also gained proficiency in Urdu, Arabic, Persian, and Hindi.

Zohra Ansari and Mahatma Gandhi

Zohra Ansari rendered her services in Wardha Ashram for a long time. Mahatma Gandhi came to know about her command over Urdu and started learning the language from her. He used to address her in his letters as ‘Vastad Bi’ and ‘Beti.

Zohra Ansari and Mahatma Gandhi used to have regular correspondence on various issues. In his letter dated 22 December 1932 to Dr Ansari, Gandhiji remarked that he used to look forward to Zohra’s letter every week. When Zohra expressed her desire to go to jail as a part of the National Movement, like her parents, Gandhiji asked her to wait and promised to allow her to go to jail.

Begum Zohra Ansari married Dr Shaukatulla Shah Ansari (1908-1972) who was her relative and leader of the Indian National Movement. Begum Zohra Ansari lost her father in 1936 and mother in 1938. She took an active part in the Freedom Struggle along with her husband. Both wife and husband opposed the partition of India.

She sold away ‘Dar-us-Salam’ to raise party funds and worked for the victory of the candidates of the Indian National Congress and for the defeat of the candidates of the Muslim League, who wanted partition. Post Independence, Begum Zohra Ansari led a simple life and passed away on 28 July 1988 in England.

source: http://www.heritagetimes.in / Heritage Times / Home / by Syed Naseer Ahamed / December 12th, 2023

Book Review of ‘Wings of Destiny — Ziaur Rahman Ansari — A life’ by Fasihur Rahman

UTTAR PRADESH / NEW DELHI :

Ziaur Ansari was a prominent political figure, having served as the Union minister in the council of 2 Prime ministers Indira and Rajiv Gandhi. Wings of Destiny written by his son Fasihur Rahman is an ode to his entire political career spanning more than three decades and highlights the stalwart’s remarkable, inspirational life as well as clears the air around the controversies surrounding him.

When the truth stands coy in a corner, visible and yet under the pretence of being unknown and unacknowledged, you know that something somewhere is unfair.

Indeed, many times in life, there comes a threshold where one needs to understand and realize that truth which is the most supreme of all, can be an eye opener, as well as a beautiful and also a terrible thing, many a time. Terrible because there may be more to the situation than what meets the eye.

Yes, we all know and have read about the countless hardships that all of us underwent during the Indian freedom struggle. But, surely not all has come to light as far as the involvement of all parties, be it left or right is concerned. Yes, Muslims too were an integral part of the struggle towards Independence, their contribution being extremely indispensable. A prominent figure among them is Ziaur Rahman Ansari who served as Union minister from 1973 to 1977 and from 1980 to 1989 during the council of two Prime Ministers -Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi, this book which is written by his nephew Fasihur Rahman is a memoir cum biographical sketch of Ziaur Ansari’s life.

Ziaur Ansari was primarily in the spotlight in the year 1985, when he participated in a debate on a private Member Bill related to the SC judgement on the Shah Bano case, which to date remains one of the most debated issues in India as well as abroad. Having been often misquoted, misinterpreted and improperly perceived, Fasihur has taken it upon himself to finally take the opportunity to tell the world the true story behind Ziaur’s life.

The book which began with giving an ancestral account of Ansari primarily spoke about his father Habibur Rahman Ansari’s invaluable contribution to the freedom movement. What followed was the journey through Ziaur Rahman’s pursuit of politics which was turbulent and spanned a period of almost three decades, showing how he contested 9 elections.

Ziaur, not only being a man of strong ethics and politics, nevertheless was a man with a passion for fine arts, poetry, literature and music too. Ziaur was also inspired by Abul Kalam Azad’s legacy which was one of the cores of Rahman’s life. The hardships suffered by the Ulamas aka the religious scholars after the Mutiny of 1857 have also been explored by Fasihur here highlighting the true role of Darul Uloom Deoband in the Indian freedom struggle. I, for once, was amazed by this one since like mentioned earlier, I realized that many religious scholars, many freedom fighters have remained unsung, unacknowledged in their role in the struggle against the British rule for reasons which were, are and perhaps will always be something we shall never be able to comprehend fully. Racism, unfortunately, in the most erred way possible, nevertheless, Fasihur has brought forth a lot of undeciphered and unknown details forward.

Have you ever known or read about the famous Shah Bano case and the subsequent judgement of 1985? Well, the book explores the same in its entirety giving us Ziaur’s intervention in the Parliamentary debate on the SC judgement.

Ziaur Rahman was the president for a tenure of almost three decades at the All India Momin conference. The book provides a complete walk through the evolution, historical significance, mandate, and contribution of the conference in the complete socio-economic upliftment of the Muslim artisans. It also highlights their contribution to the freedom movement in India.

The last two years of Ziaur’s life were traumatic as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, an incurable neurological disorder, marked them. Characterized by loss of speech this is one of the most painful possible diseases and indeed Ziaur’s pain and anguish must have been sheer agony.

Lagate ho jigar pe teer par hum kuch nahi kehte. Zabaan hote hue ye bezabaani dekhte jao…

This Urdu couplet which was used by Ziaur himself to express the trauma of the condition he was reduced to was something that shook me personally, making me fathom and realize the kind of inability and pain the disease might have led him to. It was heartbreaking to read the complete scenario, especially since Fasihur has revealed how even being the prominent voice he had been, Ziaur was unable to speed track the path to going abroad and procuring the treatment which would have cured him.

A brilliantly written book, this one is a memoir you surely should not miss. Fasihur Rahman is impeccable in detail, immaculate in expression, not shying away from portraying facts as well as refraining from giving any kind of a judgmental tonality to any of the data he has provided. A crisp narration, this one will give you a lot of detail especially as it delves into pre as well as post-independence happenings and thus will be of interest as well as use to readers and historians too alike.

source: http://www.booxoul.medium.com / Medium.com / Home> Booxoul / December 14th, 2022

Bareilly: Treasure of Islamic history contained in 3500 pages, ‘Tarikh-e-Islam Mukammal’ became the voice of Muslims!

Bareilly, UTTAR PRADESH :

Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi New Book: Maulana Shahabuddin Barelvi’s historical book ‘Tarikh-e-Islam Mukammal’ was released in Bareilly.

This book, prepared after 10 years of hard work, was described as the heritage of the Muslim society and it was announced to be published in many languages.

Maulana Shahabuddin’s new book released in Bareilly

BareillyNews Today :

A grand launch program of the historical book ‘Tareekh-e-Islam Mukammal’ by the National President of All India Muslim Jamaat, Maulana Shahabuddin Barelvi was organized in Bareilly. On this occasion, the Chairman of Uttar Pradesh Waqf Development Corporation Shafakat Hussain was present as the chief guest. At the same time, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP,Bareilly Mayor Umesh Gautam also participated specially.

On this occasion, National President of All India Muslim Jamaat Maulana Shahabuddin said that ‘Tarikh-e-Islam Mukammal’ mentions in detail the events from the beginning of Islam to the present time. He said that it took him 10 long years to prepare this book and for this he had to travel to many parts of the world.

Many eminent personalities participated in the program

Chief guest Shafqat Hussain praised Maulana’s hard work and historical research and said that this book will become an important source for the new generation to understand Islamic history. At the same time, BJP Mayor Umesh Gautam said that Maulana’s book will give a new direction to the society and will prove helpful in strengthening mutual brotherhood. Many intellectuals, religious leaders and social workers also participated in the program.

History of Islam in six volumes

,’Tarikh-e-Islam Mukammal’ is based on a total of six volumes and 3500 pages. This detailed book contains documentary details of Islamic movements, events and important periods from the birth of the Prophet of Islam, Hazrat Muhammad Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam to today.

Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi said that it took about 10 years to prepare this book.

For this, he visited the big libraries of India as well as 12 foreign countries and made a deep study of the major Arabic, Persian and English books there.,This book is based on extensive research and historical facts.,

It will be published in several languages

In the program, Maulana also told that ‘Tarikh-e-Islam Mukammal’ will soon be published in many languages ​​including Hindi, English and Arabic, so that more and more people can read it. On this occasion, many dignitaries including Idara-e-Shariah’s Chief Mufti Qazi Abdul Mannan Kalimi from Patna (Bihar), Bareilly Mayor Umesh Gautam and Waqf Development Corporation Director Shafaat Hussain called this book a milestone for the Muslim community.

source: http://www.zeenews.india.com / Zee News / Home> Salaam Zee News / by Raihan Shahid (translated from Hindi into English) / July 10th, 2025

Shaheen Academy Felicitates NEET Achievers; Abdul Qadeer Urges Education-Led Social Reform

Bidar, KARNATAKA / UTTAR PRADESH :

New Delhi:

Shaheen Academy organised a grand event to honour its NEET achievers. The ceremony celebrated the students’ success and dedication.

The event was attended by educationists and community leaders. Among them was Abdul Qadeer, founder and chairman of Shaheen Group of Institutions.

In his keynote speech, Abdul Qadeer praised students and faculty. He stressed that education should not just be for earning. “Education can uplift society and spark social change,” he said. “It plays a key role in national growth and development.”

He reaffirmed Shaheen Academy’s mission: to offer value-based, holistic education. He said students must grow into responsible citizens and future leaders.

Abdul Qadeer urged students to look beyond personal success. He asked them to engage in social service and nation-building.

He also made a heartfelt appeal against lavish weddings. “Don’t spend lakhs on grand celebrations,” he said. “Use that money to educate your children, neighbours, and the poor.”

He called education the true celebration. “Transforming lives through education is the real joy,” he added.

He also underlined the need for wider educational outreach. “Five or six institutions are not enough,” he said. “We need 5,000 organisations working for value-based education. Shaheen must have 500 branches to transform society.”

Kaleemul Hafeez, Chairman of Al-Hafeez Educational Academy, also spoke. He compared Abdul Qadeer’s work to that of Sir Syed Ahmad Khan. “Abdul Qadeer Sahib is continuing that legacy to educate a new generation,” he said.

Noor Nawaz, founder of The Hind Guru Academy, echoed the same spirit. He reminded students of the idea of Rabbul Alamin—Lord of all worlds. “Be ambassadors of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ,” he said. “Show compassion, honesty, and service in all you do.”

The event ended with a special honour for teachers and staff of Shaheen Academy. Their hard work was praised as a key part of the students’ success.

The celebration not only recognised academic achievement but also highlighted education’s role in building a better society.

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Latest News> Report / by Radiance News Bureau / June 28th, 2025

The story of Shahid Ahmed becoming IPS from IRS

Kanpur, UTTAR PRADESH :

If we have faith in ourselves, we can do anything. Shahid also believed that if everyone can do it, then I can also do it. And today Shahid is successful. This time he has got 475 rank in UPSC Civil Service Examination. Whereas in the previous examination he had secured 695 rank. 

Talking to BeyondHeadlines, Shahid says that last time I got IRS. But I want to become an IAS, so I continued my preparation. However, it is not so easy to prepare along with training, so this time I could only get 475 rank. On this rank you will get IPS. 

But you have to become an IAS? 

On this Shahid says, ‘Absolutely! I have to become an IAS. Insha Allah, I will continue my efforts next time as well. However, he also says that it may be difficult to appear in the exam next time because my training is going on in Nagpur right now. And it is almost impossible to appear in the exam during this time.’ But Shahid’s spirits are definitely high. 

It was not so easy for Shahid Ahmed of Kanpur city of Uttar Pradesh to do this. In 2016, his father suddenly passed away. The burden of responsibilities fell on him, despite this Shahid kept on preparing and succeeded in his second attempt last year. And now in the third attempt, he has also improved his rank. He is hopeful that in the future he will definitely become an IAS along with getting a good rank.

Shahid’s family earlier lived in Kidwai Nagar in Kanpur, but now they have shifted to Jajnu area. His father Haji Jameel Ahmed was a businessman. His mother Bano Ahmed takes care of the household chores. He is the fifth child in a family of six members. He has four elder sisters and a younger brother.

Shahid completed his 10th and 12th from Virendra Swaroop School in Kanpur. Then he came to Delhi for further studies. In 2015, he completed his BSc degree in Chemistry Honours from St. Stephen’s College, Delhi University. And now he is studying law from Delhi University. He is currently in the final year of BA LLB.

Shahid says that when I was in school, I had decided that I wanted to join the civil service because I always liked administrative things. I was a captain in the school. I used to manage many things in the school. That’s when my teachers told me that I should join the civil service. From there, I tried to learn about it. I read about it on the internet, then I decided that this is what I want to do.

Shahid had taken law as his subject. He says, because I am also studying law. This helps me a bit in other papers as well. That is why I thought it was better to take this.

Talking about his preparation, Shahid says, “I joined a coaching institute in 2016, but left it within a month. I did not think coaching was going to be of any use. I gave the test of Hamdard Study Circle and got selected. Then I stayed here and studied on my own. Here I got a chance to meet good people. I made friends with good people. The atmosphere here is very good. In 2017, I came to Jamia Millia Islamia. Here too I got a lot of guidance and help.

Shahid tells those who want to join civil service that before starting preparation, it is most important to research the syllabus and previous year question papers and understand them. Because there is a lot of material to study. But we have to study according to the syllabus very thoughtfully and with planning. It is also important to understand the demand of the exam.

He further says that, along with studying, it is also important that you know how to write. Whatever you have studied, if you are not able to write it in the mains paper, then there is no use. Nothing is going to happen to you.

Shahid is very interested in cricket. He also reads a lot of non-fiction books. Shahid says that this will not directly help you in the exam, but it definitely makes a difference to your personality. In such a situation, it can be beneficial for the interview. However, it is not necessary that it is beneficial for everyone. But it is certain that it creates a perspective to look at things.

Shahid says to the youth of his community, have you ever thought why we are less in government jobs. Ask yourself what is our percentage in civil service. Have you ever thought that there are not as many people here as there should be. What is the reason for this? Actually, lack of education is the real reason for this. The religion in which the importance of education has been emphasized the most, today the people of the same community are giving the least importance to education.

He further says that, my parents were also not educated, but they understood the importance of education and got all the brothers and sisters educated. In such a situation, it is important that all parents pay special attention to the education of their children. There is a need to pay special attention to the education of girls. They have a lot of potential. They just need to be allowed to move forward. If you support them a little and promote them to study, then in the future they will do the best. 

He further tells the youth that, first of all, you should believe in yourself that if everyone can do it, then we can also do it. Do not think that this is a very difficult exam. We will not be able to study. This thing should be removed from the heart and mind.

Finally Shahid says that, I always regret that if my father was here, he would have been happy with this success. He has educated me after a lot of struggle. I will have this regret in my heart throughout my life that I wish I could have seen my son doing this work or I could have achieved this success during his lifetime.

source: http://www.beyondheadlines.in / Beyond Headlines / Home> India> Real Heroes / by Afroz Alam Sahil, Beyond Headlines / April 20th, 2019

Hyderabad Urdu Ka Shahar: A cultural chronicle by Farooq Argali

Fatehpur, UTTAR PRADESH :

Hyderabad: 

Hyderabad is not merely a dot on the map; it is a vibrant symbol of elegance, culture, and an enduring legacy. Often hailed as the city of domes and minarets, Hyderabad is where history echoes through its majestic palaces, bustling bazaars, and the unmistakable aroma of biryani that fills the air. But beyond its architectural grandeur and culinary delights, the city is known for its Nawabi grace — a heritage shaped by the Nawabs and Nizams, whose generosity and cultural patronage continue to define its identity.

Capturing this soul of Hyderabad is the mission of noted journalist and author Farooq Argali. His upcoming documentary titled ‘Hyderabad: Urdu Ka Shahar’ offers a compelling journey through the city’s layered history — from the Qutb Shahi dynasty to the modern era. In this hour-long film, viewers are treated to glimpses of Hyderabad’s monuments, traditions, cuisine, and the famed tehzeeb — a word that transcends simple etiquette to embody respect, warmth, hospitality, and grace in everyday life.

Over the past three days, Argali has been crisscrossing the city, engaging with its people, documenting their stories, and capturing the sights, sounds, and scents that define Hyderabad. His previous acclaimed documentaries — Delhi: Rangon Ka Shahar and Lucknow: Tamaddun Ka Shahar — stand as testaments to his commitment to preserving cultural heritage through storytelling. His next project is set to focus on Azeembad, the ancient name of Patna.

At 86, Farooq Argali remains remarkably energetic and mentally sharp. Alongside the documentary, he plans to author a book titled Hyderabad Nama, envisioned as an archival treasure for researchers and culture enthusiasts alike. What strikes Argali most about Hyderabad is the thriving presence of Urdu — still seen on shop signs and nameplates, a sight now rare in Delhi and Lucknow.

A man of many talents, Argali is a journalist, playwright, historian, novelist, and poet. Over the last six decades, he has authored more than 500 books, ranging from romantic and detective fiction to literary criticism. In the 1960s, his pulp fiction, written at a breathtaking pace — sometimes a novel in just five days — was immensely popular. Titles like Haye Main Haar Gayee marked the beginning of a prolific writing career. Surprisingly, Argali never studied beyond the third grade in Urdu. When asked about his academic qualifications, he modestly replies, “Fourth failed.”

What, then, is the secret behind such a towering literary output? “Read more than you write,” he says simply. He credits his success to continuous reading and the vibrant literary circles he was part of in Delhi.

Born in Fatehpur, Uttar Pradesh, Argali held various odd jobs before turning to writing full-time. Despite his limited formal education, he calls his gift of writing a divine blessing. Writing under pseudonyms like Hasina Kanpuri in Urdu and Rati Mohan in Hindi, he penned bestsellers such as Ek Toofan Jawani Ka and Chahne Wale, which enjoyed huge success.

However, Argali now views his pulp fiction era as his personal ‘Ayyam al-Jāhiliyya’ — a period of creative indulgence. Over time, he shifted focus to enriching Urdu literature through research, biographies, and literary criticism. His two-volume work Urdu Hai Jis Ka Naam explores the contributions of as many as 400 renowned Urdu writers like Lala Sriram Dehlvi, Firaq Gorakhpuri, Saadat Hasan Manto, Nisar Ahmad Farooqi, and Rahi Masoom Raza to name a few.

Farooq Argali, who also served as the founding editor of the film magazine Rubi, has written extensively on Indian cinema. His historical writings include Bahadur Shah Zafar Ke Dardnaak Halaat, chronicling the last Mughal emperor’s tragic life, the partition story, Dastaan 1947, and Jahan-e-Khusro, a detailed account of the Sufi poet Amir Khusrau.

At a recent felicitation event hosted by Fazil Husain Parvez, Editor of Gawah and Mediaplus Foundation, Argali humbly dismissed the accolades, calling himself a “mazdoor qalam ka” — a laborer of the pen. “I write something broken and incomplete, yet it gets published,” he said with characteristic modesty.

As he continues his journey of literary and cultural documentation, Farooq Argali shares a heartfelt couplet expressing his deepest wish:

Aakhri waqt jab aaye to qalam haath mein ho,
Lafz ‘Allah’ likhoon aur dum nikal jaaye


(When my final moment comes, may the pen be in my hand,
May I write the word ‘Allah’ as I breathe my last)

source: http://www.siasat.com / The Siasat Daily / Home> Featured News / by J S Ifthekhar / May 10th, 2025

AMU PMRF Scholar Mohd Zeeshan Named Among India’s Top 40 for Research Excellence

Aligarh, UTTAR PRADESH :

Mohd Zeeshan, a PMRF and doctoral researcher at Department of Chemistry, AMU, has earned national recognition as one of the Top 40 PMRF scholars across India for his exemplary contributions to cutting-edge research in CO₂ fixation

Aligarh:

Mohd Zeeshan, a Prime Minister’s Research Fellow (PMRF) and doctoral researcher at the Department of Chemistry, Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), has earned national recognition as one of the Top 40 PMRF scholars across India for his exemplary contributions to cutting-edge research in carbon dioxide (CO₂) fixation.

Zeeshan’s research is centred on the development of heteroatom-functionalised linkers and metal–organic framework (MOF)-based materials for CO₂ capture and wastewater remediation. The selection was based on the national impact of his work, which combines experimental innovation with real-world applicability, addressing pressing environmental challenges.

His research has been conducted under the mentorship of Dr. M. Shahid, a noted scientist with over 170 publications.

Zeeshan acknowledged the constant academic and moral support of Professor Zeba N. Siddiqui, Chairperson of the Department of Chemistry, who congratulated him on receiving this prestigious honour. He also thanked Professor Aasim Zafar, PMRF Coordinator at AMU, for his dedicated mentorship, proactive engagement, and seamless coordination.

Zeeshan has authored 13 peer-reviewed research papers published in leading international journals, including Dalton Transactions and CrystEngComm (Royal Society of Chemistry), and Coordination Chemistry Reviews (Elsevier), with impact factors reaching up to 20.3. He has also contributed two book chapters, holds a granted patent, and has received multiple accolades for best poster and oral presentations at national and international conferences.

In recognition of his achievements, Zeeshan has been invited by the Ministry of Education, Government of India, for a high-level interaction with senior officials, where he will represent AMU and share insights on enhancing the PMRF scheme.

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Latest News / by Radiance News Bureau / June 21st, 2025