By Abdul Hameed, TwoCircles.net,
Mumbai: Several Muslim organizations today held a condolence meeting at Allana Multipurpose Hall of Anjuman-e-Islam in Mumbai to pay homage to eminent philanthropist and chairman of Ajmal Group of Companies Haji Ajmal Ali who died on February 17.
Hundreds of people representing social, religious, educational and political organizations from different parts of Maharashtra and Assam attended the meet. The gathering was called by Muslim organizations Jamiat Ulama-e Hind, Markazul Ma'arif, Ulama Council, Mumbai Aman Committee with Eastern Crescent.
While offering their condolences and sympathy to the children of Haji Ajmal and his other family members, people recounted many good attributes of Haji Ajmal and described him as an honest and frank businessman who will deserve Paradise according to the prophecy of Muhammad (saws). They mentioned his social services for the Assam people.
‘He would serve the humanity irrespective of religion and caste. Haji Abdul Majid Memorial hospital that is benefiting thousands of Muslims and non-Muslims is a clear evidence of that,' said a close friend of Haji Ajmal and professor of Hadees Maulana Shamshuddin.
A famous journalist Abdus Sami said that the pain for the humanity residing in the heart of the Haji Sahab is rare to be found. 'There were two Ajmals born in the country; Hakeem Ajmal and Haji Ajmal and both have contributed a lot in the field of serving for the humanity.'
'Haji Ajmal is one of the entities that Assam will ever be proud of. Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed and Haji Ajmal Ali are unforgettable for Assam people,' said the deputy commissioner of Assam Bhavan in Mumbai Dibashish Das.
Maulana Badruddin Ajmal Qasmi, son of Haji Ajmal said, 'My father Haji Ajmal Ali was the Wali of the time. He was very punctual of Tahajjud Ishraq, Chasht and Awwabeen prayers. Besides, he was crazy for the recitation of the Qur'an and would respect Ulama.'
He added due to his honesty in business Haji Ajmal was ever ready to take back his product if duplicate and reimburse it.
'Though he was hot-tempered but the poor ones of Assam would wait for his anger. Once he showed his anger on any one or slapped him out of anger he would go to him and ask his forgiveness and pay him some rupees in return.'
The other participants who expressed their condolence included Hafiz Nadeem, general secretary of Jamiat Ulama Maharashtra, Naseem Siddiqi, Maharashtra Minority Commission Chairman, Haroon Mozawala and Mustaqeem Ahsan Azmi.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Friday, February 20, 2009
Third Front formed in Arunachal to contest polls
ITANAGAR, Feb 19: Various political parties in Arunachal Pradesh today joined hands to contest the forthcoming parliamentary and Assembly polls under a common platform with an objective to oust the decades-old Congress regime in the state.
Constituted for the first time in the history of the state’s politics, the third front, under the banner of ‘Arunachal Democratic Alliance (ADA)’, is a conglomeration of various national and regional political parties, namely the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), Janata Dal United (JDU), Lok Janashakti Party (LJP), Lok Bharati (LB), Arunachal Congress (AC) and Peoples Party of Arunachal (PPA).
The newly floated alliance would contest in both the Lok Sabha seats besides putting candidates in all 60 assembly seats, AC president C T Manpoong told a press conference here this afternoon.
“The alliance will finalise on February 23 its common minimum programmes and seat sharing for both the elections,” he disclosed and added that they would also elect the convener as well as the committee of the alliance on the same day.
When asked on the strategy on how to check the tendencies of elected MLAs to change allegiance and switch over to the ruling party, Manpoong made it clear that necessary measures would be adopted in this regard.
“The alliance would be the voice of Arunachal and work for the interest of the common people to improve their economic and social status,” Aath Kabak Tacho, president of state unit of NCP, commented while Kamen Ringu, president of PPA claimed that the ADA would take the people of the state into a new direction with a new vision.
Ringu also informed that the alliance would revive the old issues like Chakma-Hajong refugee imbroglio, besides infiltration and corruption, which was rampant in the Dorjee Khandu-led Congress government.
Referring to the present stand-off between the employees and government on implementation of Sixth Pay Commission (SPC) recommendations, Lok Bharati president Domo Boje alleged that such a chaotic situation was a result of mismanagement by the present government.
LJP state unit president Michi Tagio and JDU state president Kardu Taipodia, while criticising the state government for its alleged failure to redress the grievances of the striking employees, said the ministers and MLAs were ‘wasting’ public money for their luxury. (Agencies)
Constituted for the first time in the history of the state’s politics, the third front, under the banner of ‘Arunachal Democratic Alliance (ADA)’, is a conglomeration of various national and regional political parties, namely the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), Janata Dal United (JDU), Lok Janashakti Party (LJP), Lok Bharati (LB), Arunachal Congress (AC) and Peoples Party of Arunachal (PPA).
The newly floated alliance would contest in both the Lok Sabha seats besides putting candidates in all 60 assembly seats, AC president C T Manpoong told a press conference here this afternoon.
“The alliance will finalise on February 23 its common minimum programmes and seat sharing for both the elections,” he disclosed and added that they would also elect the convener as well as the committee of the alliance on the same day.
When asked on the strategy on how to check the tendencies of elected MLAs to change allegiance and switch over to the ruling party, Manpoong made it clear that necessary measures would be adopted in this regard.
“The alliance would be the voice of Arunachal and work for the interest of the common people to improve their economic and social status,” Aath Kabak Tacho, president of state unit of NCP, commented while Kamen Ringu, president of PPA claimed that the ADA would take the people of the state into a new direction with a new vision.
Ringu also informed that the alliance would revive the old issues like Chakma-Hajong refugee imbroglio, besides infiltration and corruption, which was rampant in the Dorjee Khandu-led Congress government.
Referring to the present stand-off between the employees and government on implementation of Sixth Pay Commission (SPC) recommendations, Lok Bharati president Domo Boje alleged that such a chaotic situation was a result of mismanagement by the present government.
LJP state unit president Michi Tagio and JDU state president Kardu Taipodia, while criticising the state government for its alleged failure to redress the grievances of the striking employees, said the ministers and MLAs were ‘wasting’ public money for their luxury. (Agencies)
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Nagaon Municipal Board selected as a minority cluster for entrepreneurship training
By TwoCircles.net staff reporter,
New Delhi: The Central government has selected Assam’s Nagaon Municipal Board as a minority cluster for organizing Entrepreneurship Development Programme (EDP) training.
Minority Affairs Minister A R Antulay today informed the Lok Sabha in reply to written question that Nagaon Municipal Board has been selected as a minority cluster for organizing Entrepreneurship Development Programme (EDP) training by the Assam Minorities Development & Finance Corporation (AMDFC) for 2008-09.
The proposal was received from North Eastern Industrial and Technical Consultancy Organisation (NEITCO) for conducting vocational training programmes, the minister told the House, adding that the National Minorities Development & Finance Corporation (NMDFC) has sent the proposal to its State Channelising Agency in Assam i.e. Assam Minorities Development & Finance corporation (AMDFC).
New Delhi: The Central government has selected Assam’s Nagaon Municipal Board as a minority cluster for organizing Entrepreneurship Development Programme (EDP) training.
Minority Affairs Minister A R Antulay today informed the Lok Sabha in reply to written question that Nagaon Municipal Board has been selected as a minority cluster for organizing Entrepreneurship Development Programme (EDP) training by the Assam Minorities Development & Finance Corporation (AMDFC) for 2008-09.
The proposal was received from North Eastern Industrial and Technical Consultancy Organisation (NEITCO) for conducting vocational training programmes, the minister told the House, adding that the National Minorities Development & Finance Corporation (NMDFC) has sent the proposal to its State Channelising Agency in Assam i.e. Assam Minorities Development & Finance corporation (AMDFC).
Thursday, February 12, 2009
AUDF drive against Congress
NAGAON, Feb 11: The AUDF, in a meet, refuted the Congress’ charge that AUDF is communal. AUDF chief Badruddin Ajmal said this was alleged by the Congress as the AUDF refused to merge with them in an interaction meet at the Nagaon District Xahitya Xabha Bhavan gathered by a large number of politically conscious citizens of Nagaon.
Ajmal said that his party never supported any HuJI or Muslim extremists and are against terrorists whether they belong to Muslim or Hindu community.
Ajmal in the meet further said, in the name of peace process the present government has been indulging in secret killings of innocent people through Army and Police personnel. Badruddin asked the government to stop such killings and give security to the people and protect life.
Ajmal further said that as they have launched campaigns against the Congress and about their anti-people activities, the Congress has started allegations against the AUDF.
He also said that his party will neither merge nor do any alliance with the Congress before the ensuing Parliamentary election and they are confident that they will win at least four to five seats from the Congress in the ensuing Lok sabha election. Therefore, in the next Assembly election, the congress will face defeat in five to six seats against the AUDF candidates, he added.
The AUDF chief Ajmal alleged that, the present Tarun Gogoi led Congress Government has totally failed in all fronts and have lost faith of the people of Asom. He also alleged that the present government have very calculatingly deprived the non-congress people including the poorest section in providing government grants of different development schemes meant for the common people and even from the rightful benefits like education, health, drinking water, electricity and other amenities and facilities.
Ajmal also claimed that the present congress has completely failed in Industrial sectors and have shut down the shutters of the industries one after another for the negligence and rampant corruption and misuse of funds resulting in the alarming increase of unemployment problem in the state.
In the meet, the AUDF chief also said that, no political party should do any politics on the Bangladeshi immigration issue to achieve power and appealed the people to vote after judging the parties of their mottos properly.
He also appealed to the AASU leaders to come up with a solution to the Bangladeshi immigration issue as and said that even they want complete deportation of Bangladeshis from Asom.
Ajmal said that his party never supported any HuJI or Muslim extremists and are against terrorists whether they belong to Muslim or Hindu community.
Ajmal in the meet further said, in the name of peace process the present government has been indulging in secret killings of innocent people through Army and Police personnel. Badruddin asked the government to stop such killings and give security to the people and protect life.
Ajmal further said that as they have launched campaigns against the Congress and about their anti-people activities, the Congress has started allegations against the AUDF.
He also said that his party will neither merge nor do any alliance with the Congress before the ensuing Parliamentary election and they are confident that they will win at least four to five seats from the Congress in the ensuing Lok sabha election. Therefore, in the next Assembly election, the congress will face defeat in five to six seats against the AUDF candidates, he added.
The AUDF chief Ajmal alleged that, the present Tarun Gogoi led Congress Government has totally failed in all fronts and have lost faith of the people of Asom. He also alleged that the present government have very calculatingly deprived the non-congress people including the poorest section in providing government grants of different development schemes meant for the common people and even from the rightful benefits like education, health, drinking water, electricity and other amenities and facilities.
Ajmal also claimed that the present congress has completely failed in Industrial sectors and have shut down the shutters of the industries one after another for the negligence and rampant corruption and misuse of funds resulting in the alarming increase of unemployment problem in the state.
In the meet, the AUDF chief also said that, no political party should do any politics on the Bangladeshi immigration issue to achieve power and appealed the people to vote after judging the parties of their mottos properly.
He also appealed to the AASU leaders to come up with a solution to the Bangladeshi immigration issue as and said that even they want complete deportation of Bangladeshis from Asom.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Indian Muslim media of 2008
A review of English publications
By Kashif-ul-Huda, TwoCircles.net
This is the third year of our review of periodicals published by Muslim in India. The idea is to have a yardstick that can be used to measure the quality of publications by readers and also people associated with these magazines.
The year saw Muslims in India on the edge because of bomb blasts, encounters, and arrests and harassment of the community in the name of combating terrorism. Muslim media bravely challenged the perceptions and reports circulating in the “mainstream” media and raised questions on the claims by the government agencies.
In the publication scene, 2008 saw launch of two new magazines – Covert, a political fortnightly by M J Akbar and monthly Islamic magazine Islam, Muslims, and the World by Dr. Javed Jamil. Akbar launched his magazine in May after being removed from the Asian Age newspaper.
The Nation and the World, which had a disappointing run all these years, not surprisingly, started publishing a notice that second issue of December will be its last issue. But interestingly enough, it survived and first few issues under the new resolve show improvement at least in terms of paper quality and look of the magazines.
***
Now let’s review individual publications. Publications are given a full, half or no moon awards in five categories. So according to our criteria maximum a publication can get is five moons.
The First moon is for the publication quality, cover, design and paper, just the overall look and feel of the magazine. The Second moon is for magazines which mostly use original articles in their publications and do not copy and paste from articles floating around online. The Third moon is for the overall quality of the articles, how well the writer engages the reader, addresses the issue, and what kinds of issues are covered.
Advertising continues to be the major source of revenue for any publication, even if it has good subscription figures. For a publication to stand on its own feet it is important that it doesn't depend on the charity from some wealthy individuals but funds its expenses from the advertising revenue. It is possible that some of the magazines are financially viable through subscription dues but in the absence of any way for me to check that, I will award a fourth moon on how much advertisements they have.
Finally the fifth and most important moon is for community news. If a magazine claims to be for Indian Muslims it should have room for the community news that does not find a mention in the major media.
Magazines are listed in alphabetical order below:
Covert: = 4.0
Published: Fortnightly
Subscription: Rs. 1000 for 3 years
http://www.covert.co.in/
Covert positions itself as a mainstream publication and not focused on Indian Muslim issues. Therefore, their coverage of Indian Muslims is weak but they do write on important issues affecting the community as well as the nation.
Editor MJ Akbar has been able to gather a number of well known personalities, writers, and journalists that adds value to his magazine.
Eastern Crescent: = 4.0
Published: Monthly
Annual Subscription: Rs. 150/ USD 30
http://www.markazulmaarif.org/ec_index.asp
EC is a young publication led by Editor Maulana Burhanuddin Qasmi. Some of the writers are graduates of his English academy that is run for madrasa graduates. Topics covered are current affairs and issues relevant to Muslims. Thankfully they do not do familiar anti-US and anti-Israel articles and keep the focus on Indian issues or general Islamic topics.
Islam, Muslims, and the World
Published: Monthly
Subscription: Rs. 250/ USD 60
info@theislamworld.com
Since it just came out in December, this magazine will be reviewed for this year.
Islamic Voice: = 3.5
Published: Monthly
Annual Subscription: Rs. 170/ USD 15
http://www.islamicvoice.com/
2008 saw change of guards at IV, Maqbool Ahmad Siraj quit as the editor of this magazine and Associate Editor Nigar Ataullah was promoted to the position of the executive editor.
The most annoying part of IV is two or three pages wasted on people’s reaction to “Discover Yourself” workshop conducted by IV owner Sadathullah Khan. It would have been better if Mr. Khan wrote some articles to help people who can not attend his workshop instead of shamelessly promoting it in every issue of the magazine.
Past few months saw a drop in original articles carried by IV and therefore we are taking away their half moon. Still, IV is a complete magazine for the Muslim family with a special section for children as well.
The Milli Gazette: = 3.0
Published: Fortnightly
Annual Subscription: Rs. 240/ Euro 35
http://www.milligazette.com/
The Milli Gazette launched its much anticipated epaper version which will help it to regain its original position of much referenced Indian Muslim site.
Quality of articles and scope of news coverage have improved at MG from previous years. Cartoons by Yusuf and ‘Speaking Out’ column by Nilofar Suhrawardy continue to be a major plus point for MG.
“Community News” section is now 4 pages and provides a snapshot of community events but it has a North Indian bias when it comes to the selection of the news. “Newsmakers” section documents the achievements of the community. Letters published in the MG provides good idea of circulation and impact of MG in the community.
Unfortunately, in our scale they score only 3.0 but MG is playing a crucial role in the community and they should be recognized for that.
Muslim India: = 1.5
Published: Monthly
Subscription: Rs. 200/USD 12/Pound 12
http://muslimindiamonthly.com/
After restarting in 2007 it seems that “Muslim India” has ceased publications once again.
Nation and the World: = 1.5
Published: Fortnightly
Subscription: Rs. 325/ USD 75
nation_world@rediffmail.com
Not much to say about this magazine, with Seema Mustafa joining the magazine as one of the three editorial consultants, we hope this year will be a better year for NATW. Saiyid Hamid should also think about putting a succession plan in order so that a younger generation can take over the leadership of this magazine.
Radiance Viewsweekly: = 3.5
Published: Weekly
Subscription: Rs. 400/ USD 85
http://www.radianceweekly.com/
There was nothing new to report for 2008 for Radiance. Veteran journalist Soroor Ahmed writes two pieces for each issue of Radiance and they are always a treat to read. Other articles are also worth reading and cover various issues but somehow it seems that Radiance lost their focus in 2008.
Young Muslim Digest:
Published: Monthly
Subscription: Rs 150/ USD 25
http://www.youngmuslimdigest.com/
With site of YMG is not updated and I have not seen any issue of the magazine for this year, therefore, unable to review it.
Previous reviews:
http://www.twocircles.net/2008may28/indian_muslim_media_2007.html
http://www.twocircles.net/2007jul07/indian_muslim_media_2006.html
By Kashif-ul-Huda, TwoCircles.net
This is the third year of our review of periodicals published by Muslim in India. The idea is to have a yardstick that can be used to measure the quality of publications by readers and also people associated with these magazines.
The year saw Muslims in India on the edge because of bomb blasts, encounters, and arrests and harassment of the community in the name of combating terrorism. Muslim media bravely challenged the perceptions and reports circulating in the “mainstream” media and raised questions on the claims by the government agencies.
In the publication scene, 2008 saw launch of two new magazines – Covert, a political fortnightly by M J Akbar and monthly Islamic magazine Islam, Muslims, and the World by Dr. Javed Jamil. Akbar launched his magazine in May after being removed from the Asian Age newspaper.
The Nation and the World, which had a disappointing run all these years, not surprisingly, started publishing a notice that second issue of December will be its last issue. But interestingly enough, it survived and first few issues under the new resolve show improvement at least in terms of paper quality and look of the magazines.
***
Now let’s review individual publications. Publications are given a full, half or no moon awards in five categories. So according to our criteria maximum a publication can get is five moons.
The First moon is for the publication quality, cover, design and paper, just the overall look and feel of the magazine. The Second moon is for magazines which mostly use original articles in their publications and do not copy and paste from articles floating around online. The Third moon is for the overall quality of the articles, how well the writer engages the reader, addresses the issue, and what kinds of issues are covered.
Advertising continues to be the major source of revenue for any publication, even if it has good subscription figures. For a publication to stand on its own feet it is important that it doesn't depend on the charity from some wealthy individuals but funds its expenses from the advertising revenue. It is possible that some of the magazines are financially viable through subscription dues but in the absence of any way for me to check that, I will award a fourth moon on how much advertisements they have.
Finally the fifth and most important moon is for community news. If a magazine claims to be for Indian Muslims it should have room for the community news that does not find a mention in the major media.
Magazines are listed in alphabetical order below:
Covert: = 4.0
Published: Fortnightly
Subscription: Rs. 1000 for 3 years
http://www.covert.co.in/
Covert positions itself as a mainstream publication and not focused on Indian Muslim issues. Therefore, their coverage of Indian Muslims is weak but they do write on important issues affecting the community as well as the nation.
Editor MJ Akbar has been able to gather a number of well known personalities, writers, and journalists that adds value to his magazine.
Eastern Crescent: = 4.0
Published: Monthly
Annual Subscription: Rs. 150/ USD 30
http://www.markazulmaarif.org/ec_index.asp
EC is a young publication led by Editor Maulana Burhanuddin Qasmi. Some of the writers are graduates of his English academy that is run for madrasa graduates. Topics covered are current affairs and issues relevant to Muslims. Thankfully they do not do familiar anti-US and anti-Israel articles and keep the focus on Indian issues or general Islamic topics.
Islam, Muslims, and the World
Published: Monthly
Subscription: Rs. 250/ USD 60
info@theislamworld.com
Since it just came out in December, this magazine will be reviewed for this year.
Islamic Voice: = 3.5
Published: Monthly
Annual Subscription: Rs. 170/ USD 15
http://www.islamicvoice.com/
2008 saw change of guards at IV, Maqbool Ahmad Siraj quit as the editor of this magazine and Associate Editor Nigar Ataullah was promoted to the position of the executive editor.
The most annoying part of IV is two or three pages wasted on people’s reaction to “Discover Yourself” workshop conducted by IV owner Sadathullah Khan. It would have been better if Mr. Khan wrote some articles to help people who can not attend his workshop instead of shamelessly promoting it in every issue of the magazine.
Past few months saw a drop in original articles carried by IV and therefore we are taking away their half moon. Still, IV is a complete magazine for the Muslim family with a special section for children as well.
The Milli Gazette: = 3.0
Published: Fortnightly
Annual Subscription: Rs. 240/ Euro 35
http://www.milligazette.com/
The Milli Gazette launched its much anticipated epaper version which will help it to regain its original position of much referenced Indian Muslim site.
Quality of articles and scope of news coverage have improved at MG from previous years. Cartoons by Yusuf and ‘Speaking Out’ column by Nilofar Suhrawardy continue to be a major plus point for MG.
“Community News” section is now 4 pages and provides a snapshot of community events but it has a North Indian bias when it comes to the selection of the news. “Newsmakers” section documents the achievements of the community. Letters published in the MG provides good idea of circulation and impact of MG in the community.
Unfortunately, in our scale they score only 3.0 but MG is playing a crucial role in the community and they should be recognized for that.
Muslim India: = 1.5
Published: Monthly
Subscription: Rs. 200/USD 12/Pound 12
http://muslimindiamonthly.com/
After restarting in 2007 it seems that “Muslim India” has ceased publications once again.
Nation and the World: = 1.5
Published: Fortnightly
Subscription: Rs. 325/ USD 75
nation_world@rediffmail.com
Not much to say about this magazine, with Seema Mustafa joining the magazine as one of the three editorial consultants, we hope this year will be a better year for NATW. Saiyid Hamid should also think about putting a succession plan in order so that a younger generation can take over the leadership of this magazine.
Radiance Viewsweekly: = 3.5
Published: Weekly
Subscription: Rs. 400/ USD 85
http://www.radianceweekly.com/
There was nothing new to report for 2008 for Radiance. Veteran journalist Soroor Ahmed writes two pieces for each issue of Radiance and they are always a treat to read. Other articles are also worth reading and cover various issues but somehow it seems that Radiance lost their focus in 2008.
Young Muslim Digest:
Published: Monthly
Subscription: Rs 150/ USD 25
http://www.youngmuslimdigest.com/
With site of YMG is not updated and I have not seen any issue of the magazine for this year, therefore, unable to review it.
Previous reviews:
http://www.twocircles.net/2008may28/indian_muslim_media_2007.html
http://www.twocircles.net/2007jul07/indian_muslim_media_2006.html
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