Thursday, December 30, 2010

Want to learn Quran on PC? Here is software

By Manzar Bilal,

Patna: Computer technology has today become a tool to solve many problems – so much so that if you missed learning something in the childhood, you can recover the loss now. Taking the advantage of this modern technology, Aurangabad (Maharashtra)-based software company iSoft Solutions has prepared a beautiful piece of Quran learning software.

The software named as Al-Misbah Li-Ma’rifat-al-Quran is a precious gift for those who missed chance to learn Quran in early age due to reasons but now are eager to learn it, or those who are looking for a good Quran teacher for their children but could not find one.





Actually the software is a course for beginners who do not know even Arabic language alphabet. It has texts and audios of correct pronunciation of the words and teaches reading of the Quran with Tajweed (phonology).

Talking to TwoCircles.net Shaikh Akhil Ahmed, the brain behind the computer program, highlighted the purpose and motivation of the step: “We made this software for various purposes. There are many Muslims who missed the chance in their early ages to learn the Quran and when they realized its importance they do not have time to go madarsa and feel hesitation to hire the service of any maulana for the purpose. There are also a number of Muslim women who are well qualified with modern education but do not know how to read the Quran and they also face the same problems as their male counterparts. This software fulfilled the requirement of both groups” he claimed.

“Today the new generation is fond of computer usage, so, through this software we also tried to make them busy in correct use of the technology” he added.

Beautifully designed the software (Al-Misbah) has Quran in Indian and Madani scripts accompanied with good quality of audio of Quran recitation by world renowned Qaris (those who recite Quran with Tajweed) and also translation of the Quran in Urdu, Hindi and English languages by the worldly known scholars.

Asked if there was any such software available in the market, Ahmed said: “Yes, there were some pieces of software on the topic but what makes our product unique is that it has a complete Quran learning course. And also we concentrated on good quality and design.”

The software has been put on sale in the market from November 2010 with price of Rs. 1599. Currently, it is available in three major Indian languages--Urdu, Hindi and English.

On the response from the people he said: “We got overwhelming response from the people in this short period. The software is doing good business. We are receiving orders from various parts of the country.”

Asked if he is going to produce the software in other Indian languages he replied: “Yes, we are working to produce it in various languages such as Marathi, Bengali, Assamese, Kashmiri, Telugu and Malayalam. We also have a plan to make it in some foreign languages.”

For more details:

Contact: 09763377130 / 09270570839

Visit: http://www.isoft-india.com/

Sahara Group launches dedicated Urdu news channel

By Manzar Bilal

New Delhi: Overwhelmed with the success of their Urdu publications like Roznama Rashtriya Sahara, Aalami Sahara and monthly Bazm-e-Sahara, the Sahara India Group on Monday launched 24-hrs Aalami Sahara Urdu news channel that will telecast its programs in 54 countries including India and Pakistan.


The channel was launched on 27th December that was 213th birth anniversary of Urdu poet Mirza Asadullah Khan Ghalib. The Union Minority Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid inaugurated the channel by clicking the remote button at a grand function here at Le Meridien hotel in New Delhi.


The editor and news director of Sahara News Network Upendra Rai speaking on the occasion


The Aalami Sahara is being live-telecast in 54 countries of the world simultaneously. Besides TV, the live telecast is also being done on internet http://www.samaylive.com/live-tv-urdu.html. One thousand reporters, 50 bureaus 1600 V-sets have been engaged for making the channel successful. Besides, the sources of Sahara News Network‘s other channels will also help this Urdu channel.


On the occasion, the editor and news director of Sahara News Network Upendra Rai said that it is country’s first 24-hour Urdu news channel. “We hope it will earn appreciation from Urdu loving people as our Urdu newspapers and magazines did” he said.


L-R: Union Minister Salman Khurshid (second),Munawwar Rana and Union Minister Farooq Abdullah launching book Mohajirnama


The function was attended by a number of prominent personalities from different walks of life. On the occasion a book Mohajirnama (poetry) written by noted Urdu poet Munawwar Rana was also launched.


Link:

http://www.samaylive.com/
http://www.samaylive.com/live-tv-urdu.html

Little stars who want to fly high

By Manzar Bilal,


Patna: With 70% Muslim population Kishanganj district has the highest minority concentration in Bihar, but with just 24% literacy rate the community is the most backward educationally. However, there is a silver lining in the dark Kishanganj cloud – the young children now have the required ‘spark’ in their heart to ignite ‘fire’ to remove the darkness.


She is just 8 years old but ambitious to become a mechanical engineer. Why? “It is the goal of my life,” she replies. Aafia Arshi is a class 4 student at INSAN SCHOOL in Kishanganj. She looks very serious while expressing her determination.





Of course, there are many Muslim girls in country who have become engineers and doctors and there are many who see their bright future in other professional courses. But hearing such high ambition from a small girl in a place like Kishanganj, which has least women literacy rate (14%) in the country, was really amazing and delightful.


Hostel building of INSAN SCHOOL


Mohammad Shahid, who teaches at the school, said: “When I came here first time in late 70s, I saw most of the local people strictly prohibiting their girls from joining educational centres but now the situation is not so worst and today you would find girls at every school and college of the area.”


His point was strengthened when Mohammad Shariq Alam, a young resident of Kishanganj city, narrated the case of his own family: “My father is government teacher and a religious person but he did not allow my sister to go school or any educational centre leaving her illiterate. Five year back when I reached the age of sense, I got my sister admitted to an educational centre though my father was not yet ready for that.”


Building of INSAN College


While the case of Shariq’s sister showing the reckless behavior of Muslim families regarding girls education, the case of Aafia indicates a revolution is in the formation.


Boys are also not behind in having strong enthusiasm for achieving big dreams. They too have intention to fly on the heaven of success.


Meet 7-year-old Amber Nawaz who is studying in class 3. He is aspiring to become a doctor. He was busy in game with his friends when but responded to me: “I want to be doctor so that I serve the people,” said Nawaz.

Nawaz is not alone with so high dream. There are others like Mohammad Ehsan of class 7 who also wants to be doctor to serve the humanity while Mohammad Shah Afzal of the same class wants to be electronic engineer.


Students busy in making model on the occasion of the school's foundation day


A class 7 student Naseem Akhter has quite different goal of life among his friends. He wants to be police officer to serve the country. For him to serve the country is foremost thing and the police department is a platform for that.


During my short stay at the school I talked to a dozen of students who were studying in class 7 or bellow. It was pleasing to see most of them expressing their ambition to adopt professional courses. If such thinking is generated at least in half of the new generation here then days are not far when the district will be among the highest literate ones.

Minority welfare schemes high in new Bihar govt agenda

By Manzar Bilal,

Patna: Keeping his promise for ‘development with justice’ Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has given minority welfare schemes proper place in the agenda of his government for next five years. In addition to continuing the present schemes for minority, he decided to start some new schemes to bring the community to the mainstream of the development.


The new government agenda, which got approval at the Cabinet meeting chaired by Nitish on December 14 evening, has plenty of schemes and plans for the development of the state and welfare of all sections of the society including minorities and women.



Given the fact that Muslims are lagging behind in education, which led them to unemployment and several other problems, the state cabinet approved two specific schemes to help them out. One is CM’s educational loan scheme for Minority students who want to do professional courses and second is CM’s employment loan scheme for unemployed members of the minority communities.


The cabinet also decided to increase the grant for Bihar Haj Committee from Rs.10 lakh to Rs.40 lakh for next fiscal year to provide better facilities to the Haj pilgrims of the state.

Besides, the appointment of Urdu teachers at every primary and middle school, provision for modern education to students at Madrasas and intensifying coaching facilities for minority students preparing for different competitive exams were approved.



CM Nitish Kumar addressing a function on minority welfare in Patna on 5th Oct 2008


The cabinet reiterated its commitment to take all possible steps for the establishment of the special centre of Aligarh Muslim University in Kishanganj district. It also gave nod to provide land and building to Maulana Mazharul Haque Arabic & Persian University soon. Besides, it also decided to extend the ‘Hunar’, ‘Auzar’ and ‘Talimi Markaz’ (adult education centre) programs to more areas.

To ensure proper implementation of these schemes for minorities, the Nitish government took an important decision to institute a directorate under the Minority Welfare Ministry. The directorate will monitor all the minority schemes.

Other minority welfare schemes approved at the cabinet include industrial hub for weavers in every area of their concentration, expansion of bidi business, fund for graveyard fencing, publication of Urdu magazines and newspapers, protection of waqf properties, maintenance of the sufi shrines and minority libraries.

4 Muslims killed in Jawans’ firing in Araria; CM orders inquiry

By Manzar Bilal,


Patna: Taking a serious notice, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has ordered an inquiry into the firing by the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) jawans in Batraha village of Araria district which left four Muslim villagers dead and several others injured on Monday 20 Dec. As immediate relief, the CM announced Rs 1 lakh to the family of each victim.



According to media reports, on Sunday night some SSB jawans barged into the house of Md Akbar, a resident of the village, and tried to rape a female member of the house but as she raised alarm for help villagers gathered and the jawans fled.



On Monday the villagers went to the SSB’s camp and complained to the officials about the incident, and demanded stringent action against the guilty. Instead of inquiry, the SSB officials rejected the charge. This behavior of the officials infuriated the villagers and they started protesting in front of the camp, leading to clash between the two sides. Subsequently the SSB jawans opened fire on the protestors, killing four of them on the spot and wounding several others. The deceased have been identified as Mohammad Shahnawaz, Mohammad Jabir, Mohammad Qurban and Farhat Jahan. About half a dozen injured have been admitted at hospital.


Meanwhile, expressing his concern over the incident the Chief Minister has assured that action would be taken against the SSB jawans involved in the incident. He ordered divisional commissioner and Purnia DIG to investigate the incident jointly and submit report as soon as possible.

He also instructed DGP Neelmani and Home Secretary Aamir Subhani to talk to SSB officials to make sure that such inhuman incident is not repeated in the future.

Nearly 50 km from the district headquarters, the Batraha village is situated at Indo-Nepal border and comes under the Kursakanta police station of the district where SSB, a central paramilitary force, is deployed to check the Maoists’ activists and smuggling.

As SSB comes under the Union Home Ministry, the Bihar CM has said he would approach the Central Government for appropriate compensation to the victims.

Meanwhile, the latest report reaching Patna says that three jawans have been arrested and their rifles seized.

[Photo by http://afterbtech.com]

449 Muslim meritorious students awarded by HWF in Bihar

By Manzar Bilal,


Patna: Encouragement, even with a word, can inspire a budding talent to bloom and do something extraordinary. Keeping this in view, Delhi-based Human Welfare Foundation (HWF) in collaboration with P.M Foundation of Kerala felicitated about 450 Muslim meritorious students at a grand function here on 19th December.


A total of 449 students – both girls and boys – who got 67% or above marks in 2010 matriculation examination in Bihar were felicitated. Selected from across the state, they were awarded with cash prize of Rs. 1000/ and a memento each and thousands of encouraging words by the intellectuals and experts. The program was organized at SK memorial Hall in the heart of the capital city of the state. Despite chilly weather the hall was packed to its capacity with students, parents, intellectuals, educationists and common people.



Guests on the stage


Addressing the students K.A. Siddique Hassan, General Secretary of HWF, said: “You are being honored here because you got distinction among others but keep it in your mind that you have to go a long way. So, go ahead with maintaining the excellent performance in future. You may face difficulties in your way but never get discouraged.”

He also advised the parents present there: “If you want your children become successful, you must let them select courses according to their own choice and interest and should not compel them for courses of your choice.”



Justice S. Nayyer Hussain of Patna High Court addressing the gathering


Bringing an important point to the notice, he said that there are many schemes for welfare of minorities and government sanctions huge amount every year for that but less than 20% are used and rest goes back unused. “We need to create awareness among the community especially those living in villages about these schemes,” he added.


Speaking as chief guest Justice S. Nayyer Hussain of Patna High Court said: “There was never lack of talent and ability in our children. It is also a fact that all sciences and knowledge originated from Islam. Yet, if today we are lagging behind in every sphere of life, it is because we failed to apply our ability and resources properly.”



JD-U MP Shivanand Tiwari giving award to a student


“It is right time to take the matter seriously and better our condition otherwise we will never come out of our worst situation” he added.

“We must take benefit of government schemes but should never depend on that completely. On the contrary we must try for what we can do for ourselves, our community and our country. Because people are identified by their own works and performance” he urged the gathering.



Dr Imtiyaz Ahmad (Director of Khuda Baksh Library) giving award to a student


Encouraging the students Dr. Imtiyaz Ahmad, Director of Khuda Bakhsh Oriental Library, said: “Nothing is impossible in this world. There is always little space on the top but there is space. So, it is up to you that either you want to get that space or not.”

Professor S.I. Hassan, Pro-VC of Patna University, stressed on use of modern technology as a tool for bright future. He also said that everyone should strive for educational upliftment of the community through the means and sources they have.



Abhayanand (ADGP) giving award to a student


Vice Chancellor of Maulana Mazharul Haque Arabic and Persian University, Prof. Qamr Ahsan was of the opinion that communication skill is fundamental instrument in today’s modern age for building the good career.

At the occasion, the organizers also awarded the three state toppers of Board Exams 2010 namely Miss. Anupam Neha, Miss. Khushboo Kumari and Rahul Kumar, with cash prizes, certificates and shield also.



A view of Audience


Others who spoke on the occasion include Maulana Shamim Munemi, Akhtrul Iman, RJD MLA, Shivanand Tiwari, JD-U MP, Arshad Ajmal, Chairman of Al-khair Charitable Trust, Dr. Tanveer Hassan, RJD MLC, Ajmal Freed, Editor Qaumi Tanzeem and Abhayanand, Additional Director General of Police in the Bihar Government.

After the felicitation program, all the awardees were put to an Aptitude Test. The result will be announced later and the successful of the test will be selected for HWF sponsorship for higher studies.



Students are busy in Aptitude Test


HWF is a non-profit organization working for the betterment of Muslim as well as other downtrodden people in various ways. The felicitation program was part of its educational activities. It was for the first time that the organization felicitated Muslim students of Bihar. It has organized such program in Utter Pradesh, West Bengal and Assam. This year HWF has awarded 1643 meritorious Muslim students of four states: 394 students in UP, 500 in West Bengal, 300 in Assam, and 449 in Bihar.



HWF had earlier invited the application from the Muslim students of the state who got 60% or above marks in matriculation exam in 2010. The organization received more than 1200 applications but as it has limited amount for the purpose so making the criteria harder it selected only those who got 67% or above marks.






Students with their prizes and certificates



Link: http://hwfindiaaward.com/

[Photos By Mudassir Rizwan, TwoCircles.net]

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Books on Islam, Muslim personalities and Urdu at Patna Book Fair

By Manzar Bilal, TwoCircles.net,

Patna: Do you want books on Islam, Muslim historians and intellectuals, Urdu language and literature, and Urdu poets in Urdu,English and Hindi languages? Then do visit ongoing ‘Patna Book Fair’ where you will find books on all these topics and many others.

The 11-day (10-21 Dec.) book fair, which was inaugurated by Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on 10thDecember at Gandhi Maidan in the state capital Patna, has witnessed huge number of visitors during three initial days. A along queue of book lovers especially students is seen outside the venue. All seem eager to find the books of their choice.



People searching book of their choices at the stall of National Council for Promotion of Urdu Language


As you enter the venue you find dozens of book stalls installed by book publishers and companies from several cities of the country.These book stalls have books on variety of topics including language,literature, science, history, religion and biographies of great
personalities.

There is a stall of Sahitya Akademy, New Delhi, where you will find Urdu books on Muslim dignitaries including former presidents of India Dr. Zakir Hussain and Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, first Education Minister of India Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, noted Urdu poets like Ali Sardar Jafri, Majrooh Sultanpuri and Jigar Moradabadi, famous short story writer Saadat Hassan Manto, great reformer of Urdu Ismail Meruthi, and Indian shehnai maestro Ustad Bismillah Khan.


Urdu books at the stall of Sahitya Akademy


In next circle of the book stalls there are four book stalls of Urdu and Islamic books--National Council for Promotion of Urdu Language (New Delhi), Adam Publisher (New Delhi), Idara Kitabusshifa (NewDelhi) and Khuda Bakhsh Library (Patna).


At the stall of National Council for Promotion of Urdu Language books are available on literature, dictionary, biography, history, science, poetry and several other topics. Needless to say all books are in Urdu language.


Urdu books at the stall of Khuda Bakhsh Library



While the stall of Adam Publisher has Quran, tafsir-e-Quran, Hadith, books focusing Islamic teachings, principles of Islam, Islamic laws, the way of life in the view of Islam and importance of communal harmony and brotherhood. The stall has books in Urdu, English and also in Hindi.

“We have books written by great Islamic scholars and preachers covering almost all the topics that are essential to get sufficient knowledge about Islam. If one wants to understand Islam, he will not go empty-handed from our stall. Therefore, a good number of people visited our stall and we did good business till today” said Sharf-ul-Hoda, the in-charge of Adam Publisher.



Books on Islam at the stall of Adam Publisher



But he complained about attitude of the management of the book fair and said that the stall may not be installed next time.

“The management is not cooperating with us. They did not provide us with things required for the stall such as racks and tables. We have been putting stall here for several years but it may be that we will not come next year” he added.


A child hoding a book at the stall of Adam Publisher


Idara Kitabusshifa, as its name suggests, has books on Unani medicine in Urdu as well as religious books while the stall of Khuda Bakhsh Library has books on history, Urdu poetry, Urdu literature etc.


“A large number of people visited the book fair but as far as sale of our books is concerned it is not as much as we expected. The reason maybe is that more Urdu speaking people did not visit the book fair till today but we hope good business in remaining days” said Mohammad Jawwad, the in-charge of Khuda Bakhsh Library’s book stall.



Books on Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam at the stall of Prabhat Prakashan


In addition to that, at the stall of Prabhat Prakashan, New Delhi you would see a dozen books on Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam in Hindi language. Some of them are: ‘Kiya hai Kalam’, Agni ki Uran’ and Mere Sapno ka Bharat.’ Besides, the stall also has books on Dr. Zakir Hussain and Ustad Bismillah Khan.


Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Poster exhibition on Muslim women’s rights organized in Patna

By Manzar Bilal, TwoCircles.net,

Patna: With an aim to create awareness about Muslim women’s rights in the society, a poster exhibition entitled “Muslim women – rights and reality” was organized on 4th and 5th December 2010 here at Patna Arts and Craft College in the state capital.


“When the first person who embraced Islam was woman then how can Muslim women be given low status in Islam compared to men?” a poster was asking at the exhibition.



At the display were posters created by noted Hindi journalist Nasiruddin Haider Khan. Accompanied with word explanations these posters highlighted various aspects of the rights of Muslim women.




Briefing the purpose behind raising the issue through posters, Nasiruddin Haider Khan said: “Indeed Islam has given equal rights to women 1400 years ago—at the time when nobody could even think about women rights—but unfortunately Muslim women have been denied their rights. So, I tried to create awareness about the issue through picture because picture speaks louder than word.”


Nasiruddin Haider Khan (in middle)briefing the purpose of the exhibition


Notably Mr. Khan, associated with Hindi daily Hindustan, has been writing on women particularly Muslim women for last several years. He also got fellowships under which he has done research works on the issue.

“During my research work I found that despite Islam ended gender injustice, Muslim women are still facing it as women of other communities. For instance, Islam made obligatory on both men and women to seek knowledge but women are not given chance for it as men. From the birth to death they face several kinds of bans” he continued.


Visitors at the exhibition


In addition to pictures, Quranic verses and Ahadees (traditions of the Prophet) about the rights and respect of women, fatwas about condemnation of female infanticide, quotes of Islamic scholars about the women’s status in Islam, women’s contribution in spreading Islam, figures about literary rate of women and particularly Muslim women were also at the display at the exhibition.





The 2-day exhibition was open for public from 11 am to 6 pm. Hundreds of people from various parts of the city visited and applauded the efforts of Mr. Khan and organizers. The organizers have a plan to organize such exhibition in other cities of the country also.





The exhibition was hosted by Patna-based Al-Khair Charitable Trust in cooperation with NGOs Koshish, Ipta Patna, Punshch and leading Muslim news portal TwoCircles.net.


INSAN SCHOOL of Kishanganj celebrating its 44th year of success

By Manzar Bilal, TwoCircles.net,

Kishanganj: You might have held your breath for some time if you had seen the performance of little students at a cultural program organized by INSAN SCHOOL on 28th Nov. to observe its 44th anniversary at its campus in Shiksha Nagar, Kishanganj district of Bihar.


It was first day of the 3-day ceremony which was fully dedicated to the students to show their skills and inner abilities in different ways. The ceremony was kicked off at 8am Sunday with students presented the school’s tarana, naat, geets which followed by speech competition on Jawhar Lal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India.



In the evening students presented at least 25 cultural items which included dance, comedy, qawwali and drama reflecting the different issues of the society. A large number of people from the city were present there to eulogize the performance of the students specially that of little students which did not leave anyone of the audience without impressed as they all stood up and clapped for the little performers.


“All the programs are designed and presented by students. We let them free to think and come up with several creative arts programs every year. This way provides students to identify their hidden qualities. What we do is only provide materials they need for their programs” said Mazahirul Hassan, deputy director of INSAN SCHOOL, who is also coordinator of the functions organized at the school.


A group of girl students performing qawwali at the function


An exhibition of models made by students was also the part of the ceremony. Several groups of the students made various items to show the different things from across the world.


“We chose to make the model of Victoria Memorial located in Kolkata because it was built after Queen Victoria who is ideal and role model for women who generally considered weak” replied a group of girl students who were busy in making model of Victoria Memorial.


A view of audiance


This group was not alone. But there were many. A group was making model to reflect society and culture of Assam while another was busy in making a model showing how floods are bringing disasters every year in northern India.


“Through this model we want to show as to why people of this area are living miserable lives despite their hard works” said Nasir Ahmad from the group that made the mode on flood.



A group of girl students with their model Victoria Memorial


The INSAN SCHOOL is a group which runs several residential, educational institutions. It was founded by Padma awardee Dr. Syed Hasan in 1966 with just 36 students and two teachers in Kishanganj district of Bihar. At the time when the school was established, education was not an important issue for the people of the area, which led them to poverty and several other problems. The school played vital role in creating the educational awareness as it was the first such school. Today its alumni are serving the humanity not only in the country but across the world.




“My goal has been to create educational awareness among the people so that they could better standard of their lives. When I compare the time of embellishment of my school with present time, I think I achieved my goal because at that time there was no good school and today there are so many good schools available in all areas of the district” told Dr. Syed Hasan.


A model made by boys tto show flood situaation in norteast

Majority of Muslim MLAs in Bihar are young, highly educated

By Manzar Bilal, TwoCircles.net,

Patna: Majority of the 19 Muslim candidates including two women who got elected in the recently held Bihar Assembly election 2010, are new faces, young and highly educated. The average age of the newly elected 19 Muslim MLAs is 45 years. Only five of the 15 Muslim MLAs in the last assembly could win.

Though most of the sitting Muslim MLAs failed to get reelected, this time the number of Muslim legislators has increased from 15 to 19. Of them, seven are from the JD-U, six from the RJD, two from LJP, three from the Congress and one from BJP.

Of 19 only 5 are at or above 50 years of age while 11 are between 40-49 years age group and rest three are in the age group of 30-40 years. It reflects the fact that young Muslims are getting interested to enter politics, which can be described as a good sign.

Age-wise

The oldest among them is Bihar RJD chief Abdul Bari Siddiqui (63) who won from Alinagar constituency this time while in 2005 assembly election he was elected from Bahera constituency.

Razia Khatoon of JDU who got elected from Kalyanpur is 57-yrs-old while Md. Afaque Alam of Congress who won from Kasba and Parveen Amanullah of JDU who succeeded from Sahebpur Kamal are of the same age of 52 years.

Shahid Ali Khan, who was minister in the last Nitish government and is also in the new government, is 50-yrs-old. This time he got a tough victory from Sursand while in 2005 he was elected from Pupri.

Dr. Izhar Ahmad of JDU who won from Gora Bauram is 49-yrs-old followed by Sharfuddin (48) of the same party who has been elected from Sheohar. Dr. Faiyaj Ahmad of RJD who won from Bisfi is 47-yrs-old followed by Javed Iqbal Ansari (46) of the same party who got elected from Banka.

Interestingly, five elected Muslim legislators are of the same age of 45 years. They are Dr Mohammad Jawaid (Cong) who won from Kishanganj, Dr Abdul Gafoor (RJD) who won from Mahishi, Akhatarul Iman (RJD) who won from Kochadhaman, Zakir Hussain Khan (LJP) who won from Araria and Dr. Daud Ali (JDU) who won Dumraon.

Both Sarfraz Alam (JDU) who has been elected from Jokihat and Naushad Alam (LJP) who got elected from Thakurganj are 41-yrs-old while Saba Zafar (BJP) who won from Amour is 37-yrs-old.

Similarly, the youngest among 19 successful Muslim candidates are two-- Mohammad Tousif Alam (Cong) who won from Bahadurganj and Akhtarul Islam Shahin (RJD) who won from Samastipur. They are just 31.

Education-wise

If you look at the educational qualification of these 19 newly elected Muslim MLAs, you will feel quite satisfied as all of them are educated; most of them are highly educated. Among them are doctors, LLB and Ph.D. degree holders and also postgraduates.

Dr Mohammad Jawaid is MBBS from Government Medical College of Kashmir University while Dr. Daud Ali is D.H.M.S. from D.H Medical College Danapur.

As Shahid Ali Khan is LLB degree holder from B.B. R. Ambedkar University, Muzaffarpur, Dr. Izhar Ahmad also has LLB and PhD degrees from Patna and Magadh Universities respectively.

Dr. Faiyaj Ahmad got MA and Ph.D. degrees from Lalit Narayan Mithila University, Darbhanga, Dr Abdul Gafoor also got both degrees--MA and PhD-- from Patna University. Similarly, Javed Iqbal Ansari is also PhD degree holder from Ranchi University.

While Akhatarul Iman and Md. Afaque Alam are MA degree holders, Saba Zafar, Naushad Alam, Zakir Hussain Khan, Sarfraz Alam and Parveen Amanullah are graduates.
Abdul Bari Siddiqui did ISc from AN College, Patna and Akhtarul Islam Shahin did the same from MHKG College Samastipur.
Razia Khatoon is Matriculate from S.V. High Scholl Jahingra East Champaran.

Two among them have got just Madarsa education. Mohammad Tousif Alam and Sharfuddin have mentioned only Madarsa education in the column of education qualification.

Wealth-wise

According to the financial details the candidates provided to the Election Commission in affidavits, 15 of the 19 Muslim MLAs are lakhpati if one goes by their cash amount in hands or bank accounts.

In this category Shahid Ali Khan (JDU) is on the top with Rs.70500 in cash and Rs. 600117 in bank account followed by Dr. Faiyaz Ahmad (RJD) who has Rs.47500 in possession and Rs.614469 in bank account.

There are three more who possess above three lakh amount in cash or bank accounts. They are Sarfraz Alam (JDU) (Rs.422662 in cash and Rs.89337 in bank account), Dr Mohammad Jawaid (Cong) (Rs.32500 in cash and Rs.348474 in bank account) and Akhatarul Iman (RJD) (Rs.300000 in cash and Rs.245001 in bank account).

Similarly, there are two MLAs who have more than Rs 2 lakh in their possession as Mohammad Tousif Alam (Cong) has Rs.50000 and Rs.203446 in bank account and Parveen Amanullah (JDU) has Rs.36000 in cash and Rs.200000 in bank account.

There are eight who possess the amount between one lakh to two lakh. They are Zakir Hussain Khan (LJP) has Rs. 125000 in cash and Rs.49908 in bank account, Javed Iqbal Ansari (RJD) has Rs. 46462 in cash and 121166 in bank account, Dr. Izhar Ahmad (JDU) has Rs.1, 25000 in cash and Rs.26082 in bank account, Sharfuddin (JDU) has Rs.125000 in cash and Rs. 213328 in bank account, Abdul Bari Siddiqui (RJD) has Rs. 44 330 in cash and Rs.76165 in bank account, Naushad Alam (LJP) has Rs. 25000 in cash and Rs. 1,00000 in bank account, Akhtarul Islam Sahin (RJD) has Rs.60000 and 55000 in bank account and Md. Afaque Alam (CONG) has Rs.50000 in hand and 50000 in bank account.

On the other hand there are three who have below Rs one lakh in cash or account. Saba Zafar (BJP) is poorest among all with Rs.25000 in cash and only Rs.2000 in bank account while Dr. Daud Ali (JDU) has Rs.35000 in cash and Rs.40000 in bank account and Dr Abdul Gafoor (RJD) has Rs.10000 and Rs 55000 in bank account.

The wealth details of Razia Khatoon (JDU)--one of the two Muslim women MLAs--are not available.

Thursday, October 28, 2010

Urdu high in manifestos, low in campaign materials

By Manzar Bilal, TwoCitrcles.net,

Patna: Read manifestos for ongoing Bihar assembly election by all major parties—RJD-LJP, JD-U, Congress, NCP and BJP— and you will find tall promises for development of Urdu, ironically the second official language of the state. But unlike Charity Begins at Home, you can hardly find campaign materials of these parties in Urdu.





You would find them promising to establish Urdu schools in Muslim areas, to make the language mandatory in school education and to publish official advertisements in it like other languages, but unlike previous ones in this election you would hardly see election posters, banners, hoardings and other election publicity items in Urdu even in Muslim dominated areas.









You will find many stalls selling election publicity items near party offices in Patna. The stalls are full to capacity with several kinds of publicity items but if you ask about availability of such items in Urdu, they will excuse you with disappointing face. This shows parties lack sincere interest in Urdu.









Urdu, which is still battling for its implementation on ground level in the state, was declared as second official language in 1981. Since then before every election political parties had been including it in the agenda for political gain but failed to keep the word after coming to power. Consequently, its status is going down from bad to worse. Not to speak about appointment of new Urdu officials, the present Urdu officials were given some other responsibility. So, now it is almost impossible to get your work done in Urdu in any government departments.

Promises about Urdu in manifestos

RJD-LJP: The party has made 8 promises regarding Urdu. They include making Urdu a medium of writing in all examinations conducted by the State Public Service Commission, appointment of Urdu speaking officials at every police station, publishing all official advertisement in Urdu too and putting sign boards of all government departments as well as roads in Urdu along with other languages.

JD-U: The party will appoint Urdu teachers at all primary and middle schools in the state.

Congress: The party accorded second official language to Urdu but did nothing to implement it. Now it promises to take serious notice of development of Urdu and Urdu knowing people in the state.

BJP: For the development of the minority community, government as well as semi-government agencies like Minority Commission, Urdu Academy, Urdu Advisory Council, Bhar Madarsa Board and Wakf Board will be strengthened, the party promises in its manifesto.

NCP: The Sharad Pawar-led party will increase fund for Urdu Academy to make it affective and recruit Urdu translators.


[Photos by Mudassir Rizwan, TwoCircles.net]

Urdu high in manifestos, low in campaign materials

By Manzar Bilal, TwoCitrcles.net,

Patna: Read manifestos for ongoing Bihar assembly election by all major parties—RJD-LJP, JD-U, Congress, NCP and BJP— and you will find tall promises for development of Urdu, ironically the second official language of the state. But unlike Charity Begins at Home, you can hardly find campaign materials of these parties in Urdu.





You would find them promising to establish Urdu schools in Muslim areas, to make the language mandatory in school education and to publish official advertisements in it like other languages, but unlike previous ones in this election you would hardly see election posters, banners, hoardings and other election publicity items in Urdu even in Muslim dominated areas.









You will find many stalls selling election publicity items near party offices in Patna. The stalls are full to capacity with several kinds of publicity items but if you ask about availability of such items in Urdu, they will excuse you with disappointing face. This shows parties lack sincere interest in Urdu.









Urdu, which is still battling for its implementation on ground level in the state, was declared as second official language in 1981. Since then before every election political parties had been including it in the agenda for political gain but failed to keep the word after coming to power. Consequently, its status is going down from bad to worse. Not to speak about appointment of new Urdu officials, the present Urdu officials were given some other responsibility. So, now it is almost impossible to get your work done in Urdu in any government departments.

Promises about Urdu in manifestos

RJD-LJP: The party has made 8 promises regarding Urdu. They include making Urdu a medium of writing in all examinations conducted by the State Public Service Commission, appointment of Urdu speaking officials at every police station, publishing all official advertisement in Urdu too and putting sign boards of all government departments as well as roads in Urdu along with other languages.

JD-U: The party will appoint Urdu teachers at all primary and middle schools in the state.

Congress: The party accorded second official language to Urdu but did nothing to implement it. Now it promises to take serious notice of development of Urdu and Urdu knowing people in the state.

BJP: For the development of the minority community, government as well as semi-government agencies like Minority Commission, Urdu Academy, Urdu Advisory Council, Bhar Madarsa Board and Wakf Board will be strengthened, the party promises in its manifesto.

NCP: The Sharad Pawar-led party will increase fund for Urdu Academy to make it affective and recruit Urdu translators.


[Photos by Mudassir Rizwan, TwoCircles.net]

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Bihar election: Political ad war in Urdu dailies

By Manzar Bilal, TwoCircles.net,

Patna: This is election time in Bihar and it has brought good opportunity for Urdu dailies to make money as political parties find it easy and cheap way to attract Muslim voters through several types of advertisements in Urdu dailies.


It is contrary to general situation with Urdu dailies that complain for not receiving private or government advertisements in good quantity leading them to financial crisis. Even they cite it the main reason for their failure in producing quality of news and paper compared to English and other newspapers.


Advertisment by LJP in Urdu daily Qaumi Tanzeem


As Muslims in Bihar with above 17% population have always been crucial for political parties to come to power in the state, after the date of assembly elections announced the battle for Muslim votes began in which every party put its strength at work to take lead on other.

With the battle in the campaign field intensifying by day, the ad war to appease Muslims is also on. The competition is seen in advertisement published in Urdu dailies with bundles of tall promises for the welfare of Muslims by parties claiming to be friendly to Muslims. If one party buys quarter page in the newspaper for advertisement, another buys half page and even third buys full page. The parties participating in the battle include RJD of Lalu Prasad, LJP of Ram Vilas Paswan, JD-U of Nitish Kumar and Congress.


Advertisment by JD-U in Urdu daily Pindar


Interestingly, no such advertisements are published in English or Hindi newspapers. Question arises here as to why these parties choose Urdu dailies for pro-Muslims advertisement. The simple answer to the question is that in independent India Urdu is considered as language of Muslim community. Therefore, interest of the language has always been attached with the interest of Muslims. Consequently, as Muslims are discriminated in every aspect of life, Urdu is also treated in the same way.


Advertisment by RJD in Qaumi Tanzeem



This is the result of that very thought regarding Urdu that political parties consider Urdu dailies an easy tool to attract Muslims to win their votes. Sometimes they publish their advertisement on the behalf of parties’ minority cells and sometimes on the behalf of Muslim individuals familiar in the community or organizations.


Advertisment by Congress in Qaumi Tanzeem


The ad war in Urdu media shows how much important Muslim votes are for these political parties. But to find the answer to the question as to how much these advertisements impressed Muslim voters, we have to wait till 24th November -- the day result of Bihar assembly election will be out.



Advertisment by JD-U in Roznama Rashtriya Sahara