Tag Archives: Positive Stories of Muslims of India

Remembering Asaf Ali: A Forgotten Hero of the Freedom Struggle

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Seohar Town (Bijnor District), BRITISH INDIA / NEW DELHI :

For too long, a handful of names have dominated the history of the years leading up to 1947 with Gandhi, Nehru, Jinnah, Patel being the most-often cited.

Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru and others at Governor-General‘s Dussehra reception held at Government House, New Delhi on September 29,1949. At extreme left is Asaf Ali, the then Governor of Orrisa. Edited via Canva. Photo: Photo Division, Govt. of India

For several years I worked in a publishing company situated on the bustling Asaf Ali Road, a road that serves as a cordon sanitaire between the squalor of Old Delhi and the (relative) order of New Delhi. Once an important business hub, by the time I went to work there in the late 1980s, this long stretch of colonnaded corridors with a warren of densely-packed offices wore an unmistakably grubby, down-at-heel look. At the head of the road, stood the statue of Asaf Ali in a derelict enclosure near Delhi Gate (or Dilli Gate as the locals pronounced it). The dark statue, generously speckled with startlingly white droppings from the many pigeons that frequent this neighbourhood, looked forlorn, especially so with the shervani-clad, bespectacled figure standing with hands clasped in a peculiarly supplicatory posture.

TCA Raghavan, Circles of Freedom: Friendship, Love and Loyalty in the National Freedom Struggle,
Juggernaut (2024)

I must confess that in the four years I worked at Asaf Ali Road and passed this statue twice a day, morning and evening, it evoked no curiosity in me and I knew virtually nothing about Asaf Ali. Perhaps, his wife Aruna Asaf Ali’s name seemed more familiar given that she was still alive and active. I suspect I was not alone in this. For most people in Delhi, Asaf Ali is a forgotten footnote from long-ago history lessons, one of the many ‘obscure’ people who were part of the national freedom struggle. If the situation is so dismal in Delhi, where he had lived and worked, a city that had been home to his ancestors, I suspect it can only be worse in the rest of the country.

In writing Circles of Freedom: Friendship, Love and Loyalty in the National Freedom Struggle, TCA Raghavan corrects an old wrong. For far too long the tall poppies of the freedom movement have overshadowed the countless others who devoted their entire lives to the cause of independence and struggle against colonial rule. For too long, a handful of names have dominated the history of the years leading up to 1947 with Gandhi, Nehru, Jinnah, Patel being the most-often cited.

Over the past decade, with history being rewritten by new, dominant players, new names are being invoked and icons fashioned from often slender resources. In this unseemly clamour for space and recognition, some names have almost slipped through the crevices of the popular imagination, neglected and overlooked by the professional historian or, at best, relegated to the lowest rungs in a carefully crafted hierarchy of heroes. A park or a road named after the lesser-known evokes neither curiosity nor interest in their lives and the place they occupied in the shaping of a young nation. Asaf Ali (1888-1953) is one such person.

Raghavan’s book, however, is not a straightforward biography for it is not about Asaf (as the author calls him) alone. Instead, he chooses to tell his story through five protagonists who were inextricably tied by the threads of friendship and solidarity: Asaf Ali, Sarojini Naidu, Syud Hossain, Syed Mahmud and Aruna Asaf Ali. While Aruna enters this narrative quite late when she marries the much older Asaf, the other four meet in England just before the Great War where the three men have gone to study and Naidu, recuperating from an illness, is the erudite diva, eloquent poet, ardent nationalist and a veritable magnet for impressionable young men dreaming impossible dreams.

Over the next four decades, they meet, write long letters to each other, take a lively interest in each others’ lives and careers but ‘what gave meaning to their lives,’ as Raghavan notes in his conclusion, ‘was the great enterprise they chose to become part of’. And so it was the freedom struggle that not just formed the core of their relationship but also, in effect, shaped their lives. Were it not for this one singular, overwhelming zeal to seek freedom for their country, they could very well have lived other lives: Naidu would have remained a dulcet-voiced poet, both Asaf and Mahmud successful and wealthy barristers, Hossain a journalist and Aruna a do-gooder with no special qualifications. But such were the exigencies of the times that all five were caught up in different ways and different degrees with the national freedom struggle and that singular ‘great fight’ defined their lives.

With three extremely well-received books behind him – Attendant Lords: Bairam Khan and Abdur Rahim – Courtiers and Poets in Mughal India, The People Next Door: The Curious History of India’s Relations with Pakistan and History Men: Jadunath Sarkar, G. S. Sardesai, Raghivir Sinh and Their Quest For India’s Past – Raghavan, a former diplomat, can recreate history with the aplomb of a master story-teller and the meticulousness of a professional historian. Here, he weaves the events of the tumultuous years leading up to Independence with the lives of his five principal characters, keeping Asaf at the centre of his concern. Through Asaf, he teases out the nuances and dilemmas of the moderate Muslims in India who refused to be enamoured by the lures and promises of the Muslim League and remained steadfast in their devotion to the Congress and, by extension, Nehru. 

The extreme deference that the nationalist Muslim leaders displayed towards Nehru is noted; each time a Muslim leader attempted to bring the ‘communal problem’ to Nehru’s notice, the latter would brush aside these concerns by saying, ‘The real problem is a political problem – the conflict between an advanced organisation like the Congress and a politically reactionary organisation like the League.’ Concerns of leaders such as Asaf who believed ‘self determination was preferable to a union that was forced’ were disregarded. Mindful of the suspicion that Muslim leaders within the Congress evoked amongst their colleagues, Raghavan notes, ‘Because he was a Muslim, the impression among some was that he was a fifth columnist for the League’. The coming of independence didn’t make it any easier for those Muslims who chose to stay on in India. Nationalism increasingly began to mean thinking and living in the Congress way and none other. Those who lived or thought another way came to be regarded as anti-national, a phenomena we see repeated in the New India that is Bharat, except that it is the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party that has replaced the ideological hegemony of the Congress.

Different readers will possibly take different things from this book: the broad brush strokes that delineate milestone moments from modern Indian history, Gandhi’s irresistible call to Quit India, the unfurling of the national flag at Gowalia Tank by a young Aruna that catapults her to national fame, the detailed account of jail-life for a group of high-profile, political prisoners inside the Ahmadnagar fortress, a meticulous dove-tailing of accounts from different sources and disparate perspectives to create a bright, colourful and immensely readable patchwork quilt of modern Indian history, and much else in this engrossing book.

I, however, was left with an ineffable sadness and a sense that the more things change, they remain the same – at least for India’s Muslims. Despite his many sterling qualities of heart and mind, despite a fine legal education, Asaf neither made a mark as a lawyer or a politician. Though seemingly destined for greatness, having aided fate by preparing himself assiduously for a life devoted to the larger good, Asaf never quite scaled the heights he aspired to. The few successes that came his way, such as a seat in the Constituent Assembly (from Delhi) or fighting high-profile cases such as those of Bhagat Singh or Shaikh Abdullah, were marred by controversy or a smaller share in the limelight than he felt he deserved. The mantle of statesmanship that should have fallen on him with the passing of Dr Ansari and Hakim Ajmal Khan, both national leaders from Delhi like him, and a seat at the high table that should have been offered to him as a veteran Muslim leader, did not happen.

Given the price paid by far taller leaders in the Congress – such as C. Rajagopalachari and Bhulabhai Desai – for showing initiative and thus offending the party high command, shows the extent to which the Congress, not unlike the League, was becoming a personality-dominated organisation. Asaf’s case was compounded – to use a modern expression – by the optics; his timorousness, his ‘going to pieces’ fretting with worry over his wife during his long years of incarceration, his marital woes, the shadow of mistrust and suspicion that clung to him all his life combined to create a persona that failed to inspire confidence.

For all his loyalty to Nehru, Asaf was not chosen for any cabinet position or placed on any important committee. Instead, he was sent as Ambassador to Washington, brought back to serve as Governor of Orissa and then sent again as Ambassador to Sweden where he died barely a few months into his tenure.

Just as being a moderate Muslim defined Asaf’s public persona, so did his marriage to Aruna. From a political novice she rapidly transformed into a stormy petrel causing immense anxiety, consternation and eventually a sadness in her husband. Raghavan is to be credited for staying steadfastly away from prurient gossip and portraying the changing contours of the marriage objectively: ‘… in fact the relationship had started changing quite early in the marriage and here Aruna’s own political journey was the driving factor.’ Reading between the lines of Raghavan’s carefully crafted text, one picks up the whiff of misogyny in the higher echelons of our national leadership. While acknowledging Aruna’s bravery and patriotism, Gandhi saw her as a ‘perpetual rebel’ and Nehru went so far as to call her ‘hysterical’ on one occasion – something Aruna never forgot.

Incidentally, Gandhi, who was vehemently opposed to inter-religious marriages and had opposed his son Manilal’s relationship with Fatima (a Gujarati Muslim) and Hossain’s alliance with Nehru’s sister Sarup Rani (later known as Vijay Lakshmi Pandit), endorsed Asaf’s marriage to Aruna. Read Circles of Friendship to find out why.

Rakshanda Jalil is a Delhi-based writer, translator and researcher. 

source: http://www.thewire.in / The Wire / Home> Books / by Rakshanda Jalil / August 29th, 2024

10 Muslims women academicians of India

Amazing Feats, Leadership, Academic : Vice Chancellor (VC) / Dean (wef. 18 June 2026), Women/Girls(since May26-2021), , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

INDIA :

10 Muslim women academicians of India

New Delhi :

In its series Parvaz, Awaz-the Voice brings you stories of remarkable Muslim woman academicians, whose work across India’s universities, research institutions, and centres of learning, has redefined scholarship.

Their journeys span literature, history, science, social reform, diplomacy, and educational leadership, yet they are united by a shared belief that knowledge must serve society. Through classrooms, research labs, policy platforms, and grassroots engagement, these women have not only broken barriers but have created pathways for future generations.

Here is an introduction to ten selected Muslim Women Academicians of India:

Arjumand Ara :

Arjumand Ara stands as a distinguished scholar of language, literature, and feminist thought. A professor at University of Delhi, she has translated more than twenty major literary works and earned the Sahitya Akademi Translation Award in 2021.

Through her scholarship, she has built enduring bridges between Urdu and Hindi while preserving literary heritage and amplifying women’s voices.

Syed Tanveer Nasrin :

Syed Tanveer Nasrin has brought together scholarship, diplomacy, and social activism with rare distinction. Serving at University of Burdwan, she strengthened India’s cultural ties with the Maldives during her tenure in Malé while emerging as a respected voice on women’s rights, minority identity, and interfaith harmony.

Educated at Presidency College, Jadavpur University and JNU, she specializes in Gender Studies.

Abeda Inamdar :

Abeda Inamdar chose service over security when she left a prestigious government career to dedicate herself to education.

Through the Maharashtra Cosmopolitan Education Society and the celebrated Azam Campus, she has transformed educational opportunities for thousands of girls and marginalized students, creating institutions that continue to uplift generations.

Benazir Tamboli :

Benazir Tamboli turned personal adversity into a lifelong mission of empowerment and justice.

Through her work with the Muslim Satyashodhak Mandal and educational institutions, she has emerged as a fearless advocate for Muslim women, constitutional rights, and progressive social reform.

Naima Khatoon :

Naima Khatoon created history in 2024 by becoming the first woman Vice Chancellor of Aligarh Muslim University.

A renowned psychologist, author, and academic leader, she is steering institutional reforms, research excellence, and women’s empowerment while modernizing one of India’s most iconic universities.

Najma Akhtar :

Najma Akhtar broke another glass ceiling as the first woman Vice-Chancellor of Jamia Millia Islamia. A recipient of the Padma Shri, she introduced transformative reforms, expanded professional education, and helped shape Jamia’s emergence as a globally respected academic institution.

She is also the first woman to hold the post in JMI. In 2022, she was awarded with Padma Shri by the Government of India.

Nilofer Khan :

Nilofer Khan became the first woman to lead the University of Kashmir, marking a historic moment for higher education in the region. With nearly four decades of academic service and over a hundred research publications, she continues to inspire women to aspire to leadership in academia.

Shahida Murtaza :

Shahida Murtaza has spent over three decades documenting the realities of marginalized women across southern India. A former Dean at Maulana Azad National Urdu University, she has turned ethnographic research into a powerful mission for gender justice, awareness, and grassroots empowerment.

Sofia Banu :

Sofia Banu represents the growing force of women in scientific innovation. As an Associate Professor at Gauhati University, her groundbreaking work in biotechnology, biodiversity, and agricultural sustainability is creating real-world impact while inspiring young scientists across Northeast India.

Syed Mubin Zehra :

Syed Mubin Zehra has established herself as a leading scholar, author, and public intellectual. Serving at Atma Ram Sanatan Dharma College of the University of Delhi she continues to shape national conversations on gender equality, education, and social harmony through scholarship, advocacy, and global academic engagement.

source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Parvaz> The Changemakers / posted by Aasha Khosa / May 09th, 2026

M Kamaluddin Ahmed: Telangana’s rural son history has forgotten

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TELANGANA :

The unkindest cut came in September 2018. When Kamaluddin passed away in Hyderabad, he was denied a state funeral, the minimum courtesy and standard practice for senior government personalities.

 M Kamaluddin Ahmed

Long before Telangana became a reality, before slogans echoed across university campuses and political parties, there was M Kamaluddin Ahmed, who raised his voice for the region’s forgotten villages and neglected people.

History is often unkind to people who speak early. Several prominent names have become synonymous with the decades-old “struggle” for a separate Telangana, but it was Ahmed who stood up first and raised the issue of neglected farmers.

A son of Telangana’s rural soil, Ahmed carried the cause to Parliament, warning about the deep inequalities between Telangana and Andhra Pradesh decades before statehood was achieved.

And now, he is slowly fading away from the history books of Telangana statehood formation.

Hyderabad’s young men and women who completed their schooling in the late 1960s and early 1970s would recall the “Telangana agitation” that played havoc with many lives. That period was marred by hunger strikes, violence and police firing. Even the then dynamic M Channa Reddy would soon fade in the minds of the people of this region.

The simmering anger of the region’s original populace was, however, far from extinguished, as the justifiable demand for a separate “Telangana” state remained a pipe dream. Though the movement for a separate state gained fresh momentum again in the 2000s, it was not until June 2014 that the Telangana state finally became a reality.

He spoke for rural Telangana till his last breath

Right from the early 1960s to the 1990s, Kamaluddin Ahmed continued his work for the people of Telangana at the grassroots level.

He was an MLA from Cheriyal and Jangaon in 1962 and 1967, respectively. He was MP from Warangal/Hanamkonda during 1980, 1989 and 1991-96, before becoming the Union minister of state (civil supplies and public distribution) and minister of state (commerce).

Between 1985 and 1989, in his capacity as chairman of the National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India (NAFED), he ensured fair representation of local issues at the central level. In 1994, he was made president of the then Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC).

Ahmed’s focus on irrigation projects brought great benefit to the highly arid farmland areas of Telangana. The greening of the hitherto arid belt of Karimnagar-Warangal, thanks to the Sriram Sagar Project (irrigation/hydroelectric power), was largely due to his untiring initiatives on the ground.

Most importantly, it is worth noting that during the Lok Sabha debates to commemorate the 50th anniversary of India’s Independence on September 1, 1997, it was Kamaluddin Ahmed who highlighted the continued backwardness of the “real” Telangana, especially in comparison with the far more advantaged and favoured Andhra region.

In 2001, Ahmed went on to become a member of the Planning Commission.

In addition to his political acumen, Ahmed was a well-read scholar who was fluent in Telugu, Urdu and English, an ideal combination for a Telangana statesman. His interest in sher-shayari made him special to many from across the political spectrum. One of them was former prime minister AB Vajpayee, who handpicked Ahmed to be India’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia during 2002-04.

Telangana’s rural son deserted

However, this exposition at the key parliamentary forum resulted in a backlash that was grossly unfair not only to the cause of Telangana, but also to the individual whose voice had never been acknowledged in the annals of the fight for Telangana statehood.

Post September 1997, Kamaluddin Ahmed’s former allies and even close colleagues and friends — many of whom had shared his vision — not only deserted him but also sought to discredit him in every way possible.

Most of them had already switched to an anti-separate Telangana stance. The abrupt lack of support was reflected in Ahmed losing the 1998/99 Lok Sabha election, which came as a rude surprise even to the man himself. Deeply saddened by the behaviour of his close friends and senior leaders, Ahmed opted for early retirement from active politics.

For such a singular crusader of the cause of Telangana, the injustices heaped on Ahmed are beyond enumeration — injustices that defy all reason. To be denied credit where due is commonplace in every sphere of human endeavour, but the targeted “erasure” of a senior leader with a remarkable track record can only be construed as vendetta.

Kamaluddin Ahmed passed away without a proper farewell

The unkindest cut came in September 2018. When Ahmed passed away in Hyderabad, he was denied a state funeral, the minimum courtesy and standard practice for senior government personalities. The “new-born” state saw no need to honour one of the foremost champions who had relentlessly argued for its very identity. Sadder still, the lapse raised no eyebrows.

With the Congress now back at the helm in Telangana, there is ample opportunity to set the record straight and accord M Kamaluddin Ahmed the recognition and credit he fully deserves. The annals of the Telangana movement would remain incomplete without the name of this selfless crusader for the region’s identity and economic development.

This was the voice of a true son of the soil, not that of an opportunistic politician. And this was a full decade before the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) gave its clarion call for a separate Telangana.

“Telangana Shining” is a label that we see everywhere in Hyderabad today. However, few in this bustling South Indian city of 7 million would remember, even if faintly, that statehood for this region did not come easy.

source: http://www.siasat.com / The Siasat Daily / Home> News> Telangana / by Raziuddin Ahmed / May 14th, 2026

Muslim convention in Bengaluru on 16th May, to highlight failure of community leaders

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Bengaluru, KARNATAKA :

The hijab ban in schools and colleges was also on the agenda, but the State government revoked it this week.

Congress MLA Zameer Ahmed Khan (Photo | EPS

Bengaluru :

With members of the Federation of Karnataka State Muslim Organisations set to release a report on the performance of the Congress-led government under Siddaramaiah in implementing promises made in the party manifesto, there is a growing sentiment among sections of the community that the collective Muslim leadership within the government has failed.

Tanveer Ahmed of the organisation said the Congress has been in power for three years, and had released its manifesto in 2023. “We have done research on whether they have fulfilled their manifesto promises,’’ he said.

The report, to be released on Saturday, will include ten points, including the promise to act against organisations spreading communal hatred, take up the cow slaughter law, 4 per cent Muslim reservation (category B) promise, anti-conversion law, budget for minority educational institutions, and other issues. The hijab ban in schools and colleges was also on the agenda, but the State government revoked it this week.

According to Ahmed, these promises were are not fulfilled. Asked if the convention has been organised due to the brouhaha over denial of the Davanagere South bypoll ticket to a Muslim candidate, and the party’s action against Muslim leaders, he said there is no link.

“We have been preparing this report for the past eight months,’’ he said. However, he said the issue could come up during the convention.

Meanwhile, senior Congress leaders are alleging that this convention is backed by Housing Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan and MLC Naseer Ahmed. Post the Davanagere bypolls, Naseer was removed from the post of CM’s political secretary, and a section of leaders had also criticized Zameer Ahmed for not actively campaigning for the party candidate.

Tanveer Ahmed said their convention is not people centric, but focuses on issues. “The collective Muslim leadership has failed. They were elected by the same Muslim community, but have done nothing in return,” he said.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Karnataka / by Express News Service / May 16th, 2026

Poor helping the poor: Vijayapura daily wage workers build home for widow in need

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Vijayapura (formerly Bijapur), KARNATAKA :

A group of autorickshaw drivers, vendors and masons under Bijapur Youth Coverage pooled funds and labour to build a house for a destitute widow and her children, supporting families every month through community contributions.

The image on the left shows the old condition of the home , the image on the right is the new house.

Vijayapura :

At a time when many wait for government assistance to change their lives for the better, a group of daily wage workers from Shahapeti in Vijayapura is on a mission — to help the poorest of the poor in society.

Under the banner of Bijapur Youth Coverage, the group, comprising autorickshaw drivers, vegetable vendors, painters, automobile mechanics, carpenters and masons, who struggle to make a modest living themselves, has built a house for a poor Hindu widow, who has been living in a deplorable condition with her three children.

Kasturi Rudagi, a domestic worker from Shahapeti, lost her husband a few years ago. She had been living with her children in a crumbling hut.

“After the death of her husband, Kasturi began working as a domestic help to raise her son and two daughters. Unfortunately, she suffered a stroke that rendered her immobile. This forced her to depend on others for help,” Mehboob Bagwan, a vegetable vendor, said.

Bagwan, who is part of the group, said, “Seeing Kasturi’s plight, we decided to help her. We collected nearly Rs 1.5 lakh, while masons and other construction workers from the group constructed a small house for her. Our efforts have won many hearts.”

Bagwan said Kasturi’s elder son, who is around 14, quit school some time ago and is now working to take care of his mother and sisters, who are studying in a government school.

While masons, centring workers, carpenters and electricians built the house for free, others in the group made donations and raised money for the noble cause, he said.

Members of Bijapur Youth Coverage hand over the house to Kasturi Rudagi

The proposal to build the house was initiated by Fayaz Honnutagi, Babulal Chaudhary, Mateen Meeradhe, Babajan Ukkali, Sadik Chaudhary and Zubair Mogare of the group, Bagwan said. Every month, members contribute Rs 100 each towards a fund set up by the group. It offers financial help to the needy, besides providing groceries to at least five families every month.

“For us, nothing is bigger than humanity. People from all communities are with us. Our members are only rich in heart. We are not doing this for publicity, we only want to do something good for society,” said Fayaz of Bijapur Youth Coverage.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Good News / by Firoz Rozindar / May 17th, 2026

Jabalpur accident: Ramzan saved four lives by jumping into dam

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WEST BENGAL / Jabalpur, MADHYA PRADESH :

Ramzan (Inset) and rescue boat in the backdrop

Jabalpur

Nine people have died so far in the Bargi Dam accident in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, while relief and rescue operations are underway. As soon as the accident was reported, a labourer was the first to start the rescue operation. Before the rescue team arrived, Ramzan, who was busy constructing a bridge, risked his life to save the lives of many people and did this work with great courage.

In fact, a bridge construction work was going on a short distance from where the accident took place near Bargi Dam. When the workers saw the cruise ship sinking, a laborer immediately jumped into the water without any resources to save the people and started the rescue work.

Ramzan, a resident of West Bengal, said that he saw the cruise ship sinking with his own eyes. He immediately took a rope and jumped into the dam from a height of about twenty-five feet. He pulled out six people, four of whom survived while two could not survive.

After visiting the scene, the Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh announced that those who tried to save the drowning people would be given a reward of Rs 51,000 each.

Bandar Kumar Yadav, who was present at the scene, said that he was a resident of West Champaran and about thirty-five workers were working there. Seeing the cruise ship going out of control, he called out to the pilot to stop and asked his colleagues to bring a rope, but the pilot did not listen and went ahead, after which the cruise ship sank.

After that, several workers and colleagues went into the water to help Rajkumar from Bihar and Shewanath from Gorakhpur said that the cruise had already capsized before they reached it. Some passengers had already fallen into the water and were pulled out by the workers.

Those working on a project under the central government’s Jal Jeevan Mission, were just a short distance from the spot where the cruise ship capsized. They responded within moments and immediately formed a makeshift rescue team.

Armed with only ropes, the workers, displaying extraordinary courage and human spirit, jumped into the raging waves and were able to safely pull out about a dozen passengers in the critical initial moments of the accident, as described by locals.

Among these selfless heroes was 22-year-old Ramzan from West Bengal, whose daring leap was one of the most iconic scenes of the rescue. He tied a rope to his body and jumped from a cliff about 25 feet high, swimming through the stormy waters to reach the stranded passengers.

“I saw the boat sinking and didn’t waste a moment,” Ramadan said, speaking to The Times of India. “I immediately picked up a rope and jumped into the water. He was able to pull out six people, four of whom survived while two could not be saved.”

The accident occurred on Thursday when a cruise ship capsized in a dam due to strong winds and a storm.

Twenty-five people were rescued safely in the incident, while nine bodies have been recovered. Police are investigating the matter.

source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Stories / by Aasha Khosa / May 03rd, 2026

How a 90-year-old North Texas doctor built a lifeline for thousands in need

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INDIA / Texas, U.S.A :

Decades ago, Dr. Basheer Ahmed received a phone call from the local Catholic Charities.

https://www.nbcdfw.com/video/news/local/how-a-90-year-old-doctor-built-a-lifeline-for-uninsured-patients/4024921

A North Texas psychiatrist says one phone call during the Bosnian refugee crisis led him to create the Muslim Community Center for Human Services. The nonprofit now provides medical, dental and mental health services to thousands of patients each year, regardless of faith or ability to pay. The organization relies on donated time, equipment and funding as Dr. Basheer Ahmed continues serving patients at age 90. NBC 5’s Tahera Rahman has more.

When Catholic Charities called Dr. Basheer Ahmed in the early 1990s, asking for help relocating Muslim Bosnian refugees, he quickly realized something larger was missing across Texas.

“There was no Muslim social service organization or charitable organization helping people,” Ahmed said.

That phone call led Ahmed, now 90 years old, to found the Muslim Community Center for Human Services , a North Texas nonprofit that has since grown into a network of free and low-cost medical, dental and social service programs serving thousands each year.

“Being a psychiatrist, I had been doing some consultation work for Catholic Charities,” Ahmed recalled.

The organization was helping relocate Muslim Bosnian refugees to North Texas and needed guidance on cultural and religious needs, including mosques and halal food.

Ahmed, a Muslim immigrant from India, said the request stayed with him.

“They said, ‘Dr. Ahmed, what should we do?’” he said. “And I became very concerned that in the entire Texas, in fact, there was no Muslim social service organization or charitable organization helping people.”

In 1995, Ahmed gathered a group of supporters and founded the Muslim Community Center for Human Services, known as MCC.

The organization, based in Richland Hills, began modestly.

“So, I acted as a receptionist also initially,” Ahmed said. “We didn’t have money.”

Ahmed soon realized many patients also struggled to access medical care because of language barriers, cultural differences and long wait times.

“They had to wait a long time. There were language barriers, cultural barriers,” he said.

What started as culturally sensitive social services expanded into medical care, mental health support, domestic violence assistance and dental services.

Ahmed said community support helped the organization grow. One example that stands out to him involved retiring dentist Sam Roach, who donated equipment to MCC’s dental clinic before volunteering there himself.

“[A] Christian donating office to a Muslim organization shows how humanity works,” Ahmed said.

A Life Shaped by Service

Ahmed has held many leadership roles throughout his life, including serving as president of the Islamic Association of North America in 1979.

“In 1979, when there was Iranian hostages, he called us,” Ahmed said of former President Jimmy Carter. Ahmed said Carter sought input from Muslim leaders during the hostage crisis.

Still, Ahmed said service remains the role that matters most to him.

“I always feel that every human being should think about why God created you, what purpose you are serving,” he said. “I realized that serving humanity is my purpose of life.”

Adeela Malik, MCC’s director of clinical services, said the organization continues adapting to financial challenges while trying to meet growing demand.

“This was operating right until COVID,” Malik said of the dental clinic. “When COVID hit, we had to shut it down because of a lack of funds.”

Malik said MCC now connects patients with partner dentists who provide care for free or at reduced cost through their own practices.

“That’s one of our goals, to collect enough funds and reopen it,” Malik said. “Because I’m telling you, there is a lot of demand. People are willing to travel two hours for their dental.”

Care for Everyone, Regardless of Background

MCC services are free, though patients may be charged a $25 administrative fee if they can afford it.

One patient, who asked not to be identified, said he discovered MCC after searching online while struggling with serious health issues and no insurance.

“When you lose 70 pounds in three months, we thought like something serious was going on,” he said.

The patient said he initially believed the clinic only treated Muslim patients.

“To be honest, first I thought they’re only treating like Muslim community, but I was very wrong,” he said.

Doctors diagnosed him with untreated diabetes, and he said ongoing visits have helped him manage the condition.

“I’m glad I found them because… I will say, saved my life,” he said.

The patient also shared a message for Ahmed.

“I wanna say thank you from the bottom of my heart for having such a kind heart,” he said.

Ahmed said the organization’s mission remains rooted in expanding care to anyone in need.

“This is the best medical service in the world we provide here in America,” Ahmed said. “I can tell you that. But unfortunately, the sad part is it’s not for everybody. And my desire is that I wish we can do this to every person. We can.”

That’s why, even after a lifetime’s work, the 90-year-old continues to fill needs where he finds them.

“I feel at least a peace in mind that I am doing that for satisfying my own faith and my purpose for living in this world,” he said.

The Muslim Community Center for Human Services operates through donated time and funding.

source: http://www.nbcdfw.com / 5NBCDFW / Home> Health / by Tahera Rahman / May 13th, 2026

Tipu Sultan Martyr’s Day observed

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Community Involvement / Social Issues, First War of Independence 1857 / Naval Mutiny 1946 / Others PreIndependece (wef. July 27th, 2022), Karnataka (under research project), Leaders, Martyrs of the Nation, Royal Families, PreIndependence -Descendants (wef. Jan 02nd,2022), Travel & Tourism, Uniquely Indian Muslim HISTORICAL RECORDS - Sufi Shrines, Dargahs, Tombs, Mughal Mausoleums (wef. December 07th, 2024), , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Srirangapatna (Mysuru District), KARNATAKA :

MLA pays homage at Tipu Tomb, releases Urus Shariff invitation

Mysore/Mysuru:

MLA Tanveer Sait, along with several others observed Tipu Sultan Martyr’s Day at a Fatha Khawni programme organised by Hazarath Tipu Sultan Shaheed Welfare and Urus Committee Secretary Afroz Pasha at Tipu Tomb (Gumbaz), Ganjam in Srirangapatna recently.

Hazarath Moulana Syed Inayathur Rehaman Razvi Saheb, Khateeb-o-Imam of Masjid Aqsa, Tipu Tomb, performed Fatha Khawni while Afroz Pasha and MLA Tanveer Sait spread the Flower Mat (Chadar) on the tombs of Tipu Sultan Shrine and his parents. Moulana Mohd. Inayath Ur Rehaman Razvi read Duwa supplications for the welfare of all.

Afroz Pasha distributed sweets (Tabruk) and felicitated the MLA by offering shawls.

Invitation, posters released

On the occasion, MLA Sait released the invitation and publicity posters of the 234th Annual Sandal Urus Shariff of Hazarath Tipu Sultan Shaheed.

The annual Sandal Urus Shariff will be celebrated on May 16 in city during which a public meeting will be held and a procession will be taken out. 

Industrialist M.F. Jamsheed, Senior Congress leader Syed Iqbal, Waseem, Radiulla Khan, Member of the College Development Council of    Government Girls’ Pre-University College Khwaja Mohammed Musheer Chishti, Syed Younus, Majeed Ahmed, Afroz  Khan and a host of devotees were present.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home>News / May 08th, 2026

Muslim Students Shine Nationwide in 2025–26 Exams, Scaling New Academic Heights

Amazing Feats, Community Involvement / Social Issues, Education - Gold Medallists, Toppers, Merits, Achievers (wef. June 12th, 2023), Leadership : IAS, IFS, IPS, IRS, IFoS, IAAS (incl.) all UPSC Services (wef. 18 June 2026), Women/Girls(since May26-2021), , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

INDIA :

Photo Credit: The Hindu

A quiet but significant academic shift is unfolding across India, as Muslim students register notable successes in some of the country’s most competitive examinations. From civil services and national-level entrance tests to state and central board results, the 2025-26 academic year has emerged as a milestone, reflecting both individual perseverance and gradual systemic improvements in access to education.

One of the clearest indicators of this progress is visible in the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination 2025 results. A total of 53 Muslim candidates successfully cleared the exam, the highest number in nearly a decade. Out of 958 successful candidates, this represents approximately 5.5%, marking a steady increase compared to previous years. While still below the community’s population share of 14-15%, the rise signals a growing presence in India’s administrative framework.

Several candidates secured top ranks, underscoring the depth of talent emerging from the community. A.R. Rajah Mohaideen secured Rank 7, placing him among the top 10 achievers, while Ifra Shams Ansari (Rank 24), Nabiya Parvez (Rank 29), and Hassan Khan (Rank 95) featured within the top 100. These achievements highlight a shift in a field historically marked by underrepresentation, offering new role models for aspiring civil servants.

Parallel success stories have emerged in engineering entrance examinations. Majid Mujahid Hussain from Madhya Pradesh secured an exceptional All India Rank 3 in JEE Advanced 2025, one of the most challenging engineering entrance exams globally. His accomplishment stands out not only for its academic merit but also for challenging the perception that top ranks are reserved for students from elite urban coaching ecosystems. Majid’s journey, built on disciplined self-study and determination, reflects a broader democratisation of opportunity in competitive education.

In the medical field, Muslim students have also demonstrated competitive strength. Umaid Khan from Maharashtra secured All India Rank 21 in NEET-UG 2025, contributing to the state’s strong overall performance. While comprehensive nationwide data on religious representation in NEET remains limited, individual achievements such as these point to increasing participation in high-stakes medical admissions.

At the school level, Muslim students have consistently excelled in both central and state board examinations. The CBSE Class 10 and 12 results for 2025 recorded an overall pass percentage of 88.39%, within which minority students have shown increasing competitiveness. Across states such as Uttar Pradesh, Kerala, Telangana, and West Bengal, Muslim students have frequently appeared among district and state toppers, particularly in science and commerce streams.

Regional trends further underline the importance of educational ecosystems. Southern states like Kerala and Telangana, known for their robust literacy rates and institutional support, continue to produce high-performing Muslim students. In several districts, pass percentages among Muslim students have reportedly exceeded 85-90%, particularly where access to coaching and academic resources is more developed.

Among the standout individual stories this year is that of 15-year-old Syed Zaid Sadiq from Nashik, who topped JEE Main 2026 with an impressive percentile of 99.927. A Hafiz who has memorised the Qur’an, Zaid successfully balanced madrasa education with mainstream academic studies, scoring above 99% in both sessions of the examination. His achievement challenges common stereotypes surrounding religious education and highlights the potential for integrated learning approaches. He now aims to clear JEE Advanced and secure admission to an Indian Institute of Technology (IIT).

In Bihar, Sabreen Parveen emerged as a joint topper in the Class 10 board examinations, scoring 492 out of 500 (98.4%). A student from Vaishali district and the daughter of a tyre shop owner, Sabreen’s achievement exemplifies how determination and family support can overcome financial constraints. Aspiring to become a doctor, her success has inspired students in her community and beyond.

Equally inspiring is the story of Zainab Bilal from Srinagar, who scored 95% in her CBSE examinations despite being visually impaired. Relying on auditory learning, memory techniques, and assistive technology, she independently prepared for her exams. Her journey underscores the role of resilience and innovation in overcoming physical challenges, offering a powerful message about inclusivity in education.

From Jamia Millia Islamia schools, Md Fauzan topped JMI Class 10 2026 exams with 98.71%. Mohammad Ali and Mohammad Arham shared second place scoring 98.43%, from Syed Abid Hussain Senior Secondary School. Atiqua Zia and Ansari Zeenat Fatima secured third with 98.29%, representing Syed Abid Hussain Senior Secondary School and Jamia Girls Senior Secondary School.

Another noteworthy development is the increasing participation and success of Muslim women. In the UPSC 2025 results, 13 of the 53 successful Muslim candidates were women, indicating a positive shift toward gender inclusion. Notably, 38 students from Jamia Millia Islamia qualified UPSC this year thus setting example before all major universities. This trend also is mirrored in school-level examinations, where girls consistently outperform boys across communities. Initiatives encouraging girls’ education are also gaining momentum at the grassroots level.

In Rajasthan’s Sikar district, a unique initiative by philanthropist Adil Khan recognised the achievements of top-performing girls from government schools, irrespective of religion. Rewards included a car for one student and cash prizes of ₹1 lakh for others. The initiative not only celebrates academic excellence but also promotes awareness about the importance of girls’ education, particularly among underrepresented communities.

Experts attribute these encouraging trends to multiple factors. Increased awareness about the importance of education, greater parental support, and the expansion of coaching facilities into smaller towns have all contributed. Additionally, digital learning platforms and scholarship programs have made quality resources more accessible to students from economically weaker backgrounds.

Mentorship initiatives by non-governmental organisations and community groups have also played a critical role. By providing guidance for competitive exams such as UPSC, JEE, and NEET, these programmes have helped bridge long-standing gaps in access to information and preparation strategies.

However, challenges remain. Despite the visible progress, Muslim representation in elite institutions and services still lags behind proportional levels. Socio-economic barriers, disparities in school infrastructure, and limited awareness in certain regions continue to affect outcomes. Addressing these issues will require sustained policy efforts, community engagement, and investment in education at the grassroots level.

Educationists emphasise that the current momentum must be nurtured. “The improvement is real, but it needs continuity,” said one academic expert. “Access, affordability, and awareness are the three pillars that must be strengthened to ensure long-term change.”

The achievements of 2025-26 collectively tell a story of aspiration and gradual transformation. Whether it is a civil services aspirant securing a top rank, a student from a modest background topping a state board, or a visually impaired learner excelling against the odds, each success contributes to a larger narrative of empowerment.

As India continues to evolve as an educational hub, the rising performance of Muslim students reflects not only community progress but also the broader democratisation of opportunity. While the journey toward equitable representation is far from complete, the trajectory is unmistakably upward.

In classrooms, coaching centres, and homes across the country, a new generation of students is quietly rewriting expectations – one exam, one rank, and one success story at a time.

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Education> Focus / by Mohd Naushad Khan / May 08th, 2026

Syed Mumtaz Presented with Mahatma Gandhi National Sadbhavana Award

Amazing Feats, Business & Economy, Community Involvement / Social Issues, Karnataka (under research project), Leaders, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Bengaluru, KARNATAKA :

Syed Mumtaz receiving the award

Bengaluru:

Business leader and social activist Syed Mumtaz was awarded the prestigious Mahatma Gandhi National Sadbhavana Award in recognition of his contributions to social service, community development, and entrepreneurial empowerment.

The award, instituted by the Sanatan Foundation, honours individuals and organisations that have made significant contributions toward peace, social harmony, public service, and national unity in the spirit of Mahatma Gandhi’s ideals.

The award was presented during a special programme titled “Gandhi Smriti: Our Steps towards Gandhian Principles” held at Sir M. Visvesvaraya Auditorium in Bengaluru. Thawar Chand Gehlot, Governor of Karnataka, attended the event as the chief guest and presented the honour to Syed Mumtaz.

Syed Mumtaz is the Chief Executive Officer of Rug-Rail Components and Systems Private Limited and currently serves as the President of the Karnataka chapter of the RIFA Chamber of Commerce and Industries. He is also a member of the organisation’s Central Advisory Committee.

According to the organisers, Mumtaz was chosen for the award in recognition of his sustained efforts toward the betterment of society and his initiatives aimed at empowering youth and entrepreneurs. Through his leadership roles, he has been actively involved in mentoring startups, conducting business workshops, and creating networking and mentorship platforms for aspiring entrepreneurs.

Over the years, Mumtaz has emerged as a prominent voice in promoting inclusive business growth and community-oriented development. His initiatives through RIFA Chamber of Commerce and Industries have focused on encouraging ethical entrepreneurship, supporting small businesses, and creating opportunities for young professionals.

Speaking on the occasion, Mumtaz said that success should always contribute toward larger social goals. He noted that he plans to launch more people-centric projects in collaboration with RIFA in the coming months to strengthen community empowerment initiatives.

The organisers stated that the award ceremony aimed to inspire citizens to uphold Gandhian values such as harmony, service, compassion, and national integration. Several social activists, business leaders, community representatives, and dignitaries attended the event.

The Mahatma Gandhi National Sadbhavana Award is regarded as a notable recognition for individuals who work beyond their professional domains to contribute meaningfully to society. This year’s ceremony highlighted the growing role of entrepreneurs and community leaders in addressing social challenges and promoting collective progress.

Syed Mumtaz is an engineering graduate and a distinguished student of Islamia Arabic College, Mansoora in Karnataka. He discharged the duties as unit president of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, BTM Layout in Bangalore for one term earlier.

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Pride of the Nation>Awards / by Radiance News Bureau / May 15th, 2026