https://in.docworkspace.com/d/sID6--uK4AuWH_cQG?sa=601.1120
Friday, August 15, 2025
Thursday, August 14, 2025
Writing to the press
PREFACE
The book titled "Writing to the press" is in your hands.
It consists of my write-ups published in daily newspapers and
other periodicals during the past many years from which you
can find the problems mostly our community and country have
faced, and the solutions suggested for them. These are the
selected ones out of the materials available with me.
As some of the issues discussed here quite often appear
in the press, it is hoped that this book will be of some use to
readers to think over them and take decisions, of course,
according to their own perceptions. This is my humble opinion.
I will be happy if it is useful to readers in any manner.
I have always found writing to the press interesting and
thrilling. It is a good hobby, which makes one understand the
importance of the press and exchange of views among readers.
Its interest is all the more necessary in a plural society like ours
where people belonging to different linguistic, cultural and
religious backgrounds have varied and sometimes also
altogether different connotations. There is no alternative to the
exchange of views on all controversial issues to arrive at right
conclusions. This is also a need of a democratic country. While
discussing or issuing rejoinders there should not be any anger
or animosity. Every issue has to be dealt with coolly and calmly
because everyone has the right of enjoying the freedom of
expression.
My heart-felt thanks and indebtedness to
Janab K. Ehsan Ahmed Sahib for compiling this book in a
beautiful way taking all troubles and writing his foreword for it
mentioning its importance and commenting on some write-ups.
Prof. A. Nazim Ahmed Sahib deserves my heartfelt
thanks for his Foreword highlighting the importance of this
book and commenting on some write-ups. When I requested him
to write the foreword for the book, he happily agreed and
favoured me.
My heartfelt thanks to my family members – daughter,
son-in-law and son for their expressions and happiness of which
I am so proud and thankful to Allah.
V.M. KHALEELUR RAHMAN
Tuesday, August 12, 2025
Saturday, August 9, 2025
V.M. Khaleelur Rahman : DR. FAIZ AHMED, THE MASTER ARCHITECT
V.M. Khaleelur Rahman : DR. FAIZ AHMED, THE MASTER ARCHITECT https://share.google/8wX4M6ufQElPS88lr
Thursday, August 7, 2025
AMES - a revolutionary change maker
AMES – A REVOLUTIONARY SOCIETY PAR EXCELLENCE
A time was there when education was considered unnecessary for girls. Girls were given education mostly in well to do families only up to high school. The Muslim community was not very particular in giving education to girls who were considered only as homemakers. Higher studies were not even thought of. Now thank God, things have changed a lot for better, and we see quite a good number of boys and girls getting higher education not only from our country but also abroad. They seem to follow the hadees – seek education even if it is available in China. The credit for this happy change goes to organisations like The Ambur Muslim Educational Society (AMES), a 120-year-old organisation, which celebrated its Centenary in 2006. This three-day grand celebration was inaugurated by Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam sahib, the then President of India. You can read the details in a separate writeup in this book.
We whole-heartedly thank AMES for its silent revolutionary endeavours in creating awareness among the backward Muslims for education of boys and girls.
The Present President Janab M. Rafeeque Ahmed sahib and General Secretary Janab N. Shafeeque Ahmed sahib and other office bearers of AMES are trying their best in the path of their predecessors to empower boys as well as girls by encouraging them to seek higher education in the present highly materialistic and competitive world and engage in some useful work and at the same time providing avenues for them. The opening of "Kubra Market" by AMES at Ambur where only women can sell and buy, is a revolutionary concept to make women engage in trade. The enrolment of women in the AMES executive committee and giving them an opportunity to work in the educational arena is also a welcome change, appreciated by all.
The AMES team headed by Padmashri M. Rafeeque Ahmed sahib is expected to do a lot for the upliftment of the Muslim community in Ambur. Allah helps those who help themselves.
A big salute to AMES –a revolutionary change maker.
Fw: AMES
----- Forwarded message -----
From: V.M. Khaleelur Rahman <vmk1234@yahoo.com>
To: K. Ehsan Ahmed <ehsanahmed000@gmail.com>
Sent: Thursday 7 August, 2025 at 10:23:15 am IST
Subject: AMES
Assalamu Alaikum
Wednesday, August 6, 2025
Padma Shri Mecca Rafeeque Ahmed sahib
MR. MECCA RAFEEQUE AHMED GETS "PADMA SHRI" AWARD
By V. M. Khaleelur Rahman
Mr. Mecca Rafeeque Ahmed of the Farida Group and the recently elected Chairman of the Council for Leather Exports has been honoured with the prestigious Padma Shri Award for the current year 2011. It is a befitting honour to him and the leather industry he represents. The leather fraternity in Tamil Nadu is happy over this honour.
The Almighty Allah has paid good dividends to Mr. Rafeeque Ahmed for his principled approach, determination and efforts to achieve what he wants along with his friendly nature – a beautiful trait inherited from his ever smiling cool and calm but at the same time strong willed father the late Mecca Abdul Majeed sahib.
Mr. Rafeeque Ahmed expanded his family business – the Farida Group-founded in 1957 by his father to the present position. To put it in the words of the group, what started off as a small unit in Ambur, Farida today has expanded to 12 plants in the last five decades making them self-sufficient in sourcing of raw materials like finished leather and other shoe components and sub-assemblies from their own subsidiaries. They have a work force of 7000 people in their units and almost double the number benefit through indirect employment from this group.
Mr. Rafeeque Ahmed has also been serving the cause of the leather industry through holding high posts in different trade associations. He is now the Chairman of the Council for Leather Exports, President of the All India Skin and Hide Tanners and Merchants Association, Chairman of the Ambur Economic Development Organisation Ltd. (AEDOL) etc. He was instrumental in establishing the Aedol icon "Ambur Trade Centre" in Ambur at the cost of Rs.11.5 crore with the government assistance for the development of leather and leather products industry. He also holds other posts in some other organisations. He is the President of the TN state council of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI). He is also associated with different educational institutions and associations. He holds high posts in the Ambur Muslim Educational Society (AMES) and the Muslim Educational Association of Southern India (MEASI). He played an important part in the three-day Centenary Celebrations of the AMES in June 2006 to which Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam was invited when he was the President of India. He is an active gentleman well-known in the national and international leather circles.
Published in The Milli Gazette dated 24th March 2011.
Alhamdulillah the Farida group has expanded further and there are more than 20,000 employees now.
Kudos to Sadia and Fayiza
MAKING HISTORY
KUDOS TO H. SADIYA KAUSER FOR HER EXCELLENT PERFORMANCE IN B.SC. PHYSICS
V.M. KHALEELUR RAHMAN, AMBUR
We are extremely happy that H. Sadiya Kauser, daughter of Mr. H. Abdul Rasheed, Noorullahpet, Ambur has passed her B.Sc. (Physics) examination of the University of Madras held in April 2006 by obtaining FIRST RANK and securing FIRST CLASS WITH DISTINCTION.
In the 149th Annual Convocation 2006 held at the University Centenary Auditorium on 14th November 2006, presided over by His Excellency the Governor of Tamil Nadu Mr. Surjit Singh Barnala, Chancellor, University of Madras and Convocation Address delivered by Mr. P. Chidambaram, the Honourable Minister for Finance, Government of India, New Delhi, H. SADIYA KAUSER has been awarded 3 (three) Gold Medals in recognition of her extra-ordinarily excellent performance in the B. Sc. degree examination held by the Madras University in the Faculty of Science during April 2006 as a candidate from Justice Basheer Ahmed Sayeed Women's College, Chennai – 600 018.
It is reliably learnt that during the past 150 years of the University of Madras she is the first Muslim girl to receive FIRST RANK and 3 GOLD MEDALS with distinction in the state of Tamil Nadu in B.Sc. Physics.
We take this opportunity to congratulate SADIA KAUSER for her record-breaking performance in the B.Sc. Physics examination and wish her all the best in life. She has brought laurels not only to herself but to her parents, community and the school and college where she studied. She is now doing her postgraduate M. Sc. Physics degree course in Women's Christian College, Chennai. We are proud of her and her parents who are educating her well.
We also congratulate her parents for giving a right guidance to her, T. Abdul Wahid Matriculation Higher Secondary School, Ambur (where she studied and passed her Plus Two examination with flying colours) for providing good education and learning atmosphere and Justice Basheer Ahmed Sayeed Women's College, Chennai (where she did her B.Sc. Physics degree course and brought name and fame) for its excellent coaching and encouragement.
The services rendered by Mr. T. Abdul Wahid sahib, founder of T. Abdul Wahid Matriculation Higher Secondary School, Ambur and Justice Basheer Ahmed Sayeed sahib, founder of the SIET Women's College (now called Justice Basheer Ahmed Sayeed College) are immortal and ever green. The community must be thankful to them.
The people of Ambur know that another brilliant girl student of TAW Matriculation Higher Secondary School, Ambur P. FAYIZA TASKEEN, daughter of Mr. P. Oosman Basha got GOLD MEDAL from Raja Rajeswari College of Engineering, Chennai for securing FIRST RANK in her B.E. examination in 2005. She was honoured in a function in the TAW school. The Ambur Muslim Educational Society also honoured her for her meritorious performance during its historic Centenary Celebrations in September 2006 which was inaugurated by His Excellency The President of India Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam.
The undeniable fact is that within a short span of 21 years T. Abdul Wahid Matriculation Higher Secondary School, Ambur studied boys and girls have done well in medical, engineering, science and other degree courses. It is a big achievement for it. We are thankful to its Management, Principals and teaching staff for their educational service. We are sure that it will go on expanding its educational activity and serve the community in its educational and economical advancement.
Monday, August 4, 2025
MAULANA KAKA MOHAMMED SAYEED SAHIB
MAULANA KAKA MOHAMMED SAYEED AHMED SAHIB
V M Khaleelur Rahman | Ambur | +91 9840462958 | vmk1234@yahoo.com
بسم اللہ الرحمٰن الرحیم
In the name of Allah, the beneficent, the merciful.
رب ا شرح لی صدری و یسرلی امری واحلل عقدہ من لسانی یفقھو ا قولی
And ease for me my task and untie the knot from my tongue that they may understand my words.
Maulana Kaka Mohammed Sayeed Ahmed sahib, Chancellor of the Arabic Institution Jamia Darussalam, Oomerabad, who passed away on Saturday, 11th May, 2024 in Oomerabad (Inna lillahi wainna ilaihi rajiwoon) served in many organisations including The All India Muslim Personal Law Board as Vice President. Sayeed sahib did not aspire for any power or pelf. They came to him because of his scholarship and dedicated service to the humanity particularly orphans. He was the real Guardian of the students under his care at Jamia.
Jamia Darussalam was established by his great grandfather Maulana Kaka Mohammed Oomer sahib marhoom, a hides and skins merchant and a philanthropist of that time in the year 1924. It was Late Maulana Kaka Sayeed Ahmed sahib and his brother late Maulana Kaka Mohammed Oomer sahib who developed it as a modern University. I had the pleasant opportunity to see both brothers and their great attempts successfully making the Institution a great one in terms of education and modern facilities.
I remember that late Maulana Hafeezur Rahman sahib Umari Madani and many others got opportunities in Madina University for higher education and came up in life with flying colours because of their initial graduation at Jamia Darussalam. This tendency continues even now. I am happy to say that my cousin brothers' son who studied at Jamia is serving as an Imam and Mudarris at Qatar since many years.
Jamia has always attracted people because of its excellent Islamic syllabus which enables its students to understand Islam in a proper prospective and be strong and unshakeable in their beliefs.
Even Jamia's Summer education programme arranged every year for high school boys which imparts high quality Islamic education along with excellent lodging and boarding accommodations is appreciated by one and all. Jamia enables students to utilise their holidays in useful ways without wasting their time. Maulana Sayeed sahib was very particular in shaping the destiny of the students.
Sayeed Sahib was never a silent spectator, but his expressions were based on hikma and hasana. I am told that even in the Muslim personal law board meetings he voiced his views boldly in clear terms understandable to all.
Sayeed sahib had great concern for have-nots particularly orphans and he did a lot for their emancipation. He made big plans for the future of students in Jamia and successfully implemented them. I feel he was a man of strong beliefs and strong actions.
"They ask about orphans. Say working for their improvement is best - khair" (Quran Al-Baqara 220)
Who cares for the have-nots, orphans in the present highly materialistic world? I am sorry. The rich do not want to even talk with them. Perhaps this situation disturbed Maulana Kaka Mohammed Sayeed sahib. He went to their rescue and was successful in imparting them the education they required to lead a better life. We have seen orphans at Jamia attaining high positions in different organizations in various countries. It is Madrasas which destroy arrogance of rich arrogants and pave way for Islamic equality and fraternity. Maulana Kaka Sayeed sahib played a vital role in this regard being the Guardian of the orphans at Jamia Darussalam, Oomerabad.
We all pray for the maghfirath of the deceased Maulana and sabr-e-jameel to his near and dear ones.
KALAM INAUGURATES AMES CELEBRATIONS
KALAM INAUGURATES AMES CELEBRATIONS
BY V. M. Khaleelur Rahman
Ambur (Tamil Nadu) President Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam inaugurated the Ambur Muslim Educational Society centenary celebrations on September 4 which continued for the next two days. The society runs Mazharul Uloom Higher Secondary School in the town. He delivered a lecture and answered questions posed by students which were highly thought-provoking. The President reminded the students of the Prophet's saying that "A scholar's drop of ink was more sacred than a martyr's drop of blood"
Most of the students of the Mazharul Uloom Higher Secondary School raised their hands, when the President, A.PJ. Abdul Kalam, asked how many of them would like to become doctors, how many of them engineers and how many of them teachers. But only a few raised their hands when he asked how many of them would like to become political leaders. The President raised these questions during an interaction with students, before answering al question from Mohammed Suhail, a XII standard power. Referring to the poor response to his particular question, the President called upon the students to think of becoming political leaders in order to usher in a corruption-free Government.
To a question from Anulekha, another XII standard student, why India should develop nuclear weapons, knowing that they were destructive, Dr. Kalam said that when there were 100 nuclear war-heads in the world in 1950, the then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru called for nuclear disarmament But since there were 10,000 nuclear war- heads in 1990, including warheads on our borders, India had no other option but to go nuclear. But India is firmly committed to its policy of "no first use" of nuclear weapons, he pointed out.
Earlier in his inaugural address, Dr. Kalam said Prophet Muhammed had pronouncedthat education and acquisition of knowledge was mandatory for both men and women. The Prophet had also stated that a scholar's drop of ink was more sacred than a martyr's drop of blood. Noting that only 50 per cent of the people of Ambur, especially women, were literate, he wanted the students to take a vow to impart literacy to five illiterate persons each, by taking classes for them during their weekends. He also wanted them to plant five trees each.
The President called upon the teachers to play their role in moulding their students into good citizens. "If he or she is a good teacher, he or she becomes a role model for the students," he noted.
TN Governor, Surjit Singh Barnala who presided said that the schools should create an environment that our children could realise their full potential to become bright, thinking, innovative, free and fearless citizens. Educational institutions should ensure discipline in their campuses in order to produce persons of good character. "The values that one upholds are far more precious than mere marks," he noted.
T. Rafeeq Ahmed, chairman, centenary celebrations committee, said that the Madrasa-e-Mazharul Uloom, which was founded in 1905 with 16 students, hanow blossomed into the AMES with six institutions and 6500 students.
At the centenary celebrations, AMES honoured eight personalities:
1.M Mohammed Hashim, an industrialist and social activist of Melvisharam,
2. PS Rajagopal Naidu of Vellore, a prominent Parliamentarian and father of the cooperative movement,
3. C.M. Fazlur Rahman, an eminent educationist of Pernambut,
4. Malayalam Anver, a social activist of Vaniyambadi
5. G. Viswanathan, Chancellor of VIT,
6. Kaka Mohammed Zubair, an educationist of Vaniyambadi
7. K. Joel Nesaraj, Director, Bethesda Hospital, Ambur for services to the poor and
8. C. Krishnan, a renowned merchant and social activist of Ambur
On the third day of the celebration, an educational conference was held for women. Three leading personalities Mrs. Bader Sayeed, MLA, Senior Advocate, Madras High Court and former Chairperson, Tamil Nadu Waqf Board, Mrs. Fathima Muzaffer, President, Islamic Information Centre and Mrs. Naazreen Bhura, Editor, Deccan Chronicle, Chennai edition, presented their papers. More than 6000 girls of different schools and colleges and mothers were present in the Conference. The papers presented by the above three sisters were listened to and appreciated by all. Miss Sania Mariam Meddekar, first year BSc student, compered the programme. As part of the celeberations, Vellore Collector Dharmendra Pratap Yadav inaugurated an educational exhibition. The Prince of Arcot, Nawab Mohammed Abdul Ali and the Vaniyambadi MLA, H. Abdul Basith were among guests of the Centenary Celebrations (VM Khaleelur Rahman)
Published in Milli Gazette dated 1-15 October 2006
The passing away of Maulana Asad Madani sahib
V. M. KHALEELUR RAHMAN
Mobile: 9840462958
Assalamu Alaikum ..
Some of you in the WhatsApp groups may remember that I was bringing out AL-AMEEN monthly newsletter. In its March 2008 issue I wrote:
1 .The passing away on 6th February 2006 of Hazrat Maulana Asad Madani sahib (born on 27.4.1928), President, Jamiat-ul-ulama-e-Hind, former Rajya Sabha M.P. consecutively for three terms starting from 1968 as a Congress nominee and freedom fighter, is a great loss to the community and country. He was active in the Jamiat, political and social activities till his end. He had visited Tamil Nadu many times and impressed the people by his valuable discourses in chaste Urdu. The Arabic College in Deoband (U.P.) which he was running is famous the world over for its higher Islamic studies.
The Maulana was the son of Hazrat Maulana Hussain Ahmed Madani sahib who was a great and staunch nationalist opposing Mohammed Ali Jinna's two nation theory and devoted his whole life for the liberation of the country and was jailed for this in Malta.
Maulana Asad Madani sahib worked for the welfare and progress of the Muslim community and tried his best to protect its rights. He is survived by four sons and two daughters. His successor-apparent is Maulana Mahmood Madani sahib. He was also associated with many other organisations – Aligarh Muslim University court, Central Haj Committee, All India Muslim Personal Law Board etc. He was laid to rest on 7th February 2006 after Fajr prayers at Deoband's Qasimi graveyard. His funeral prayer was led by Maulana Mohammed Talha sahib and attended by more than 1,50,000 people from India and abroad.
"Mouth uski hai karay jiska zamana afsous,
Youn thou duniya mayn sabhi aathay hain marnay kay liyay."
May his soul rest in peace.
2. Why does a Muslim say he is a Muslim?
V.M. Khaleelur Rahman in Indian Express dated 4th December 2004.
This has reference to the article "We are in denial" by Sri Sri Ravishankar published in The New Indian Express. It is wrong to say that Hindus have given up their identities and Hinduism. Even so called atheists go to temples and carry their Hindu identities intact in dress, customs and in all other day today affairs. It is applicable to communists also. Of course there are some Hindu and Muslim communists who don't have religious beliefs. But their actions are religious.
A Muslim says that he is a Muslim (as any Hindu, Christian or Sikh for that matter) because he feels he is rational and belongs to a faith which says that all are the creations of the same one God, There is no question of my God or your God. There is also no question of any person, however great he may be being made a God and worshipped. Hence he feels that by proclaiming himself a Muslim he is simply telling that there is no difference between man and man. He is a torchbearer of human equality, brotherhood and dignity. That is why a Muslim is usually called "bhai" (brother).
Apart from this, Islam has no caste system and anybody can enter any mosque anywhere in the world and pray. A true religionist never divides the human community. In other words "oneray kulam oruvanay Devan" . As God human community is also one is the concept Muslims have accepted without and ray of doubt and practised. The Islamic principles are meant for the benefit of the whole humanity. They are rational, unquestionable and acceptable to all. The path is straight forward and not zigzag. Good Hindus and good Muslims seem to be on the same thinking on this point.
PAK SCENARIO, AURANGEZEB EXHIBITION
AURANGZEB EXHIBITION
The British divided the Hindus and Muslims in India. It seems that this tradition is being followed by foreigners like Mr. Francois Gautier whose Aurangzeb painting exhibition held at the Lalit Kala Akademy was closed by the police for reasons best known to it. Mr. Gautier's claim that the exhibition was artistic is false because he failed to highlight the emperor's contributions. One of them was granting 330 bighas of land for the Balaji temple at Chitrakoot. It is a temple town in Uttar Pradesh where Lord Rama spent more than 10 years. If Aurangzeb was a hated communal king, he would not have ruled India for 48 years. However, the undeniable fact is that he was an ambitious king doing everything necessary to safeguard his throne. He had the support of Hindus more than Muslims.
Published in Deccan Chronicle dated 15 March 2008.
PAK SCENARIO
The oath taking ceremony of Pakistan Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani in the absence of the PML(N), headed by Nawaz Sharif, and PPP co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari, was lacklustre, President Pervez Musharraf administered the oath of office and promised to co-operate with the new government in the midst of Nawaz Sharif's rhetoric that they did not recognise him as the President. The indications are that a big struggle is in store for these political leaders. It appears that a secular and democratic system is yet to see a dawn in Pakistan.
Published in Deccan Chronicle dated 27 March 2008.
GREAT LOSS
Dr. Rafeeq Zakaria's passing away is a great loss to the country. He was a multi-faceted personality. His contribution's to the community and country as a freedom fighter, political leader, educationist and reformer are immense. He walked in the path of Sir Syed Ahmed Khan (founder of the Aligarh Muslim University) to make the Muslim community realise the importance of modern education and established many educational institutions. He was also the author of many books in English and contributed articles to various dailies and periodicals. His invaluable comments on important and sensitive national issues were eagerly awaited. He was an Islamist in the real sense in working for camaraderie among different religious communities. Such a great personality is no more.
Published in Deccan Chronicle dated 11 July 2005.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)