People & Events Track

The Abbas Khan P.U. College for Women, under the management of the Central Muslim Association of Karnataka was in the national news recently. A P.U.C- II Commerce student, G. Latha from this college, won the bronze medal in the 13th Junior National Fencing Championship held at Jammu. Last year, she had won Silver for the same event in Aurangabad.

Mr. A. M. Amiruddin, advocate has been elected as the new general secretary of the Organisation of Muslim Educational Institutions and Associations of Tamilnadu (Omeiat) with effect from October 29, 2005. He takes the place from Dr. A. M. Salahuddin who has been appointed as the treasurer. Both will hold office till the general body holds elections in 2007.

Union Power Minister and veteran parliamentarian, P. M. Sayeed, who carved a niche for himself as a politician and an able administrator, passed away after a heart attack in a hospital in Seoul on December 18, 2005. The end for 65-year-old Sayeed came in Hyundai Hospital in the South Korean capital where he had been undergoing treatment for enlargement of liver and symptoms of malignancy. He is survived by his wife A.B. Rahmath Sayeed, a son and seven daughters. Widely respected across the political spectrum for his acumen as a parliamentarian, Sayeed was elected to the Lok Sabha from Lakshadweep, a record number of 10 times beginning in 1967. He had been its member in 1971, 1977, 1980, 1984, 1989, 1991, 1996, 1998 and 1999 before his victory march was ended by young Janata Dal (U) MP Muthu Koya in the May 2004 general elections. Born on May 10, 1941 at Androth island in Lakshadweep, Paddanath Mohd Sayeed took his B. Com degree from the Government Arts College, Mangalore and obtained the law degree from a law college in Mumbai to become a lawyer by profession. Sayeed became the youngest member of the fourth Lok Sabha when he was elected to the House in 1967 when Lakshadweep became a constituency for the first time.

Secretary General of Confederation of Human Rights Organisation (CHRO) and consultant editor of the Thejas News Daily passed away here on December 12, 2005 after a brief illness at KIMS hospital. He was 57. A freelance writer on issues of human rights, human dignity, rights of disadvantaged people and communities, Menon brought great integrity to the profession. He was a fighter against the Hindutva forces who had been on rampage ever since the demolition of the Babri Masjid in Ayodhya. He was even accused of sympathising with terrorists. He took up the cause of People’s Democratic Party leader, Abdul Nasser Madhani, being held in Coimbatore jail as an under-trial in a case related to bomb blasts in Coimbatore in 1999.

To coincide with the Hajj season, a book titled, Allah Ke Mehman Aur Unke Mezban was released here in Bangalore. Penned by renowned writer and Chief Reporter of the Daily Salar, Siddique Alduri, the book in Urdu brings alive the beauty of Saudi Arabia. The author has given his personal touch by presenting many descriptions of the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah. “The book was partly inspired by the fact that most pilgrims keep complaining about the hardship they undergo during Hajj. But they do not realise the amount of hard work done by the Saudi authorities for the benefit of the Hajis. I thought I should bring out the positive aspects of their effort through this book”, says Alduri. The book is priced at Rs. 100. For copies and more details, contact Siddique Alduri, The Daily Salar, 69, Al-Ameen Towers, Basement, Hosur Road, Bangalore - 27. Ph.: 9341195717 / 9448088641. or Azad News Agency, Russel Market Square, Shivajinagar, Bangalore - 51

Shehnaz, was found abandoned in a graveyard in Bangalore when she was just 4 years old. The Rabita Welfare Group Trust which runs the Rifaa Home for girls took her home. Amidst a good healthy ambience provided at the Rifaa Home, she grew up completing her education too. Under the guardianship of Sofia Abdul Hameed who set up the home for destitute women and children in 1993, Shehnaz learnt the skills of cooking and tailoring too. Recently, the Rabita Welfare Group conducted the wedding of Shehnaz when she turned 19. According to Sofia, orphan girls need support, concern and care and this is what the Rabita Welfare Group has been doing for years. For more details, contact Sofia Abdul Hameed at Rifaa Home for the Girl Child, Byreshwara Layout, Hennur Bende, Hennur, Bangalore-43. Ph: 30917954. Email: khuloos@hotmail.com

The MEWA Welfare Association held a free cataract treatment camp at Jabbar Function Hall for the residents of Shantinagar here on December 12, 2005. Nearly 300 patients were diagnosed for eye ailments and those with cataract were advised free surgery at the M. R. C. Charitable Trust Hospital. The Rotary Club of Mysore Midtown also collaborated in the holding of the camp.

The American Federation of Muslims of Indian Origin (AFMI) is organising a seminar entitled, “ Emerging India and Educational Development of Muslims” on January 7, 2006 at St Joseph’s High School Boys School Auditorium, Bangalore, according to a Press Release from Akram Syed, President-AFMI who is currently in Bangalore. AFMI is an international organisation of Indian Muslim diaspora based in the USA. Its membership consists of Muslim professionals and social activists, It stands for egalitarian and pluralistic India with opportunities for education and economic development for all. The programme on January 7, 2006, will comprise a students’ conclave followed by a seminar. For more details, contact: Convener-Feroze Abdullah-Ph: 9845018080 or M.A. Siraj-Co-Convener-Ph: 9845063701.

The Ashirvad Inter-Religious Harmony Movement along with St Patrick’s Church organised the Christmas Inter-Faith Programme on December 25th 2005. Syed Sadaqat Peeran, chairman, Al-Ameen Educational Society was the chief guest. Apart from inter-faith prayers, a Christmas Tableau, was the highlight of the programme.

The All India Fiqh Academy will hold its 15th session here at Madrasa Siddiqia in the second week of March, 2006. The seminar will discuss ethical issues pertaining to genetics, medical insurance and various cards being issued by the commercial banks. Several theologians and scientific experts are expected to participate in the proceedings.