FEMEII FORMED IN CHENNAI

Federation of Muslim Educational Institutions in India formed in Chennai

BY V.M.KHALEELUR RAHMAN, for TwoCircles.net

The Tamil Nadu Chapter of the Federation of Muslim Educational Institutions in India (FEMEII) was formed in a meeting of various educational institutions held in Chennai on 29th May. The meeting was presided over by Mr. A. Shabbir Ahmed, President, Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (JIH), Tamil Nadu Zone. Mr. N. Jan Mohammed, Secretary, JIH, welcomed the gathering consisting of members of the Managements and faculties of various educational institutions in Tamil Nadu.

From left to right J. Mohamed Yahya, A. Shabbir Ahmed, N. Jan Mohammed and K. Jalaludeen.

Mr. J. Mohamed Yahya, President, All India Institute of Islamic Teachers Association, Tamil Nadu Zone, introduced the FEMEII and highlighted the Constitutional rights guaranteed to the minorities such as Muslims and Christians in India. He felt that at the present time it is necessary for us to understand them and fight for our rights to uplift the Muslim community educationally and economically. He explained how the Muslim institutions are not able to get the needed support from various educational departments in Tamil Nadu to carry on their works smoothly and appealed to the Muslim institutions to join and strengthen the Federation to find a solution to their grievances.

Mr. K. Jalaludeen, Joint Secretary, Islamic Foundation Trust, explained the aims and objectives of the Federation which are given hereunder:

1. Collectively strive for due rights of the institution and providing legal assistance if necessary.

2. Protect the Constitutional safeguards available to the community in the field of education and to benefit from them.

3. Assist the institutions to raise their quality

4. Provide information about facilities available with government and non government organizations; to seek and provide mutual co-operation.

5. Promote co-operation and coherence among the associated institutions.

6. Form a sub agency if necessary for benefiting from government schemes overcoming legal hurdles.

7. Include religious education and create an Islamic and ethical environment.

8. Propose curriculum, purge the textbooks of undesirable content and positively influence the educational policies.

9. Strive for expansion and consolidation in the fields of education and training in the community.

10. Promote research and development in education.

11. Organize educational surveys as needed and pay special attention to girls’ education.

12. Keep abreast of innovations and developments on national and international levels in the fields of instruction and education.

13. Promote consistency in the religious and general curriculum.

14. For the sake of universalization of education, maintain active contact with other institutions and associations in the community.

Mr. P.K. Shabbir Ahmed, founder member of the Organisation of Muslim Educational Institutions and Associations of Tamil Nadu, was the main speaker. He congratulated the organizers of the forum and asked them to assist the poor and needy students to seek education to enable them to lead a dignified life and make economic progress in the present highly materialistic world. He said that our forefathers like Mr. C. Abdul Hakeem sahib who were not so much educated have done a lot for the educational upliftments of not only Muslims but also non-Muslims but unfortunately it is not the case with us – the present generation who are well educated and at the helm of affairs– in comparison with them, of course with some exceptions. He said that it is our duty to recapture their spirit and zeal for the betterment of the community and country.

Many others also spoke welcoming the forum and requesting it to help the educational institutions which are finding it difficult to get the approval and aids of the government. After detailed discussions a five member Adhoc Committee was formed consisting of the following members:

1. T.A.S. Rafeeque Ahmed, Correspondent, Osmania Higher Secondary School, Tirupattur

2. Mr. L. H. Mohammed Ali, Correspondent, Muslim Arts College, Thirvithangode, Kanyakumari district.

3. Mr. K. Abdullah, Correspondent, Islamiah Matriculation Higher Secondary School, Coimbatore

4. Dr. A.M. Salahuddin, Treasurer, Anjuman Matriculation Higher Secondary School, T. Nagar, Chennai.

5. Mr. Ahmed Meeran, Chairman, Unity Public School, Chennai.

It was announced that a meeting is to be held on 27th June 2010 in Delhi where the national President, Hon. Secretary and other office hearers of the all India based FEMEII will be elected.

Mr. Amanullah, Treasurer, AIITA, TN Zone, proposed a vote of thanks.

EXCELLENT PERFORMANCE OF MUSLIM SCHOOLS IN VELLORE DISTRICT OF TAMIL NADU


BY V.M. KHALEELUR RAHMAN

Who can say that Indian Muslims cannot do better in education? The Vellore district as some other districts in Tamil Nadu is the place where Muslims have established many educational institutions from primary to science and arts and engineering colleges. It is a fact that more Muslims are educated only in those places where they have their own institutions. At the same time it also cannot be denied that Muslim students are coming out with flying colours in some prestigious non-Muslim institutions in Chennai and other places of Tamil Nadu. It shows that they are second to none in intelligence. If they possess a determination and are given the right educational atmosphere, they can reach the zenith. There is nothing which they cannot achieve. In education they have proved their mettle in free India after independence and they are on the forward march despite some hurdles here and there.

Class X students of State Board, Matriculation and Oriental schools have got their results today, 26th May 2010 and the results of some of the popular Muslim schools of Vellore district are given hereunder:

School Name No. of students appeared for 10th public exam No. of students passed Pass percentage Names of 1st, 2nd and 3rd rank holders

Mazharul Uloom Higher Secondary School, Ambur 256 250 97% 1.P..Thanseer Ahmed (445/500)

2.P. Md. Zain (444/500)

Hasanathe Jaria Higher Secondary School for girls, Ambur 237 232 98% 1.Wajeeha Khatoon (470/500)

2.Sheereen Farhath (464/500)

3.Aysha Siddiqua (461/500) and 48 girls got above 400 marks for 500



Anaikar Oriental (Arabic) Higher Secondary Schoool, Ambur 101 99 98% 1.S.M.Md.Raihan (472/500)

2.R.Shameel Ahmed (460/500)

3.C.Md. Farhan (454/500)



Islamiah Girls Higher Secondary School, Vaniyambadi



315 307 97% 1.Sumaila aafreen (473/500)

2.Zayida (470/500)

3.Niha Naaz (460/500)



Usmania Higher Secondary School, Thirupathur 47 41 87% 1.Md. Hameed Alam (420/500)

2.Syed Md.Hussain (416/500)

3.Faizullah Basha (396/500)

Islamiah Boys’ Higher Secondary School, Vaniyambadi 289 254 88% 1.P.Hussain Ahmed 488/500

2.Noaman H 477/500

3.Madan Kumar 465/500

T. Abdul Wahid Matriculation Higher Secondary School, Ambur Details unavailable at the time of sending this report 100%

I tried to contact many other schools also but I could not reach them in any mode.

We congratulate the students, Managements, Head masters/Head mistresses and teachers of the above institutions for their excellent performance and hope that they will all endeavour their best to raise the educational standard of students further and bring laurels to the community and country as a whole.

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MUSLIM GIRLS REIGN SUPREME IN 10TH STATE BOARD EXAM IN TAMIL NADU

MUSLIM GIRLS REIGN SUPREME IN 10TH STATE BOARD EXAM IN TAMIL NADU


BY V.M. KHALELUR RAHMAN

A Muslim girl Jasmeen, daughter of Mr. Shaikh Dawood has created history and brought a pleasant surprise to all by securing 495 marks out of 500 in the 10th state Board examination for which 8,56,966 students from 6493 schools appeared in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. She studied at the Corporation Higher Secondary School in Thirunelveli. She has secured centum in both maths and science, 98 marks in Tamil, 99 marks in English and 98 marks in Social Studies (History and Geography). She wants to do Computer engineering, write the IAS exam and become a Collector to serve the people.

Another Muslim girl Ashraf Nisa, daughter of Mr. M.S. Deen is one of the three students who have achieved First Rank in the Corporation Schools by getting 487 marks out of 500 in the exam. She has appealed to the hon'ble Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu Mr. M. Karunanidhi to help her to pursue M.B.B.S. after finishing 12th as she is interested in becoming a doctor and serve the humanity.

We congratulate and wish them all the best in all their attempts.
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Muslim Students Rank High at Engineering Colleges in Tamil Nadu

Muslim students rank high at engineering colleges in Tamil Nadu


Submitted by admin7 on 20 May 2010 - 11:10am.

• India News

• Indian Muslim

By V.M. Khaleelur Rahman for TwoCircles.net,

Chennai: Muslim students are among top 10 across trades at various engineering colleges in Tamil Nadu in 2009-2010. In the trade of B.E. Marine Engineering, Mohammad Naina Maricar S of Mohamed Sathak Engineering College and in B. Arch Aysha Khanam of MEASI Academy of Architecture have got top position. These colleges are attached to Anna University, Chennai.

There are several dozen engineering colleges affiliated to Anna University. Due to 3.5% reservation to Muslims, the community students have been able to get admission in such colleges in high number, and with their hard work they are getting high ranks in their colleges.

At various colleges, Muslim girls have outshined Muslim boys.

The following is the list of Muslim students who secured University Ranks in the examinations conducted during April/May 2009 along with their percentage of marks, rank and the college where they studied.

1. B.E. Aeronautical Engineering, Total students passed 467 and rank eligibility 23

Shafeeq Ahmed S 84% 9 Hindustan College of Engineering and Technology

Mohamed Asif Ali J 84% 11 Mohamed Sathak Engineering College

Md. Azarudeen J 84% 12 Mohamed Sathak Engineering College

2. B.E. Civil Engineering, Total students passed 2016 and rank eligibility 50

Affilkhan 89% 6 Saranathan College of Engineering

Fathima Tasneem S 88% 14 Saranathan College of Engineering

Nasreen Fathima H 87% 24 Bannari Amman Institute of Technology

Nazia Hazeen A 87% 28 Prince Shri Venkateshwara Padmavathy Eng.College

3. B.E. Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Total students passed 8513 and rank eligibility 50

Fareez Ahmed S 87% 20 Sri Sivasubramaniya Nadar College of Engineering

4. B.E. Electronics and Communication Engineering, Total students passed 14307 and rank eligibility 50

Gulam Nabi Alsath M 90% v 3 Dhaanish Ahmed College of Engineering

Azhar Mohammed K 88% 26 B.S. Abdur Rahman Crescent Engineering College

Zulaikha Firdose A 87% 32 C.Abdul Hakeem College of Engineering & Technology

Shafna Basri K 87% 34 Asan Memorial College of Engineering & Technology

5. B.E. Electronics and Instrumentation Engineering, Total students passed 1451 and rank eligibility 50

Mohamed Rafiq M 86% 9 St. Joseph’s College of Engineering

Zaheer Shariff K 84% 37 Sri Ramakrishna Engineering College

6. B.E. Instrumentation and Control Engineering, Total students passed 481 and rank eligibility 24

Thameem Ansari S 84% 8 B.S. Abdur Rahman Crescent Engineering College

Mohamed Rafiq M 83% 14 B.S. Abdur Rahman Crescent Engineering College

Fathima Begum M 83% 15 B.S. Abdur Rahman Crescent Engineering College

7. B.E. Marine Engineering, Total students passed 57 and rank eligibility 3

Md. Naina Maricar S 87% 1 Mohamed Sathak Engineering College

8. B.E. Mechanical Engineering, Total students passed 6842 and rank eligibility 50

Md. Abdul Rahim M 87% 41 Kumaraguru College of Technology

Tariq Anwar N 86% 43 B.S. Abdur Rahman Crescent Engineering College

Ejaz Ahmed S 86% 46 Dr. Mahalingam College of Engineering & Technology

9. B.E. Production Engineering, Total students passed 76 and rank eligibility 4

Anwar Ibrahim S 81% 3 Sethu Institute of Technology

10. B.E. Bio-Medical Engineering, Total students passed 352 and rank eligibility 18

Izathunnisa Begum F 82% 15 Jerusalem College of Engineering

Rahmath Nisha E.A. 81% 18 Jerusalem College of Engineering

11. B.Tech Chemical Engineering, Total students passed 350 and rank eligibility 18

Fathima Jalal 90% 2 Sri Venkateswara College of Engineering

Abdul Gani A 88% 17 St. Peter’s Engineering College

12. B.Tech Information Technology, Total students passed 8113 and rank eligibility 50

Mohamed Rameeze 86% 35 Vel Tech

Fahumitha Parveen R 86% 44 St. Joseph’s College of Engineering

13. B.Tech Polymer Technology, Total students passed 47 and rank eligibility 2

Mansoor Akhthar B 91% 1 B.S. Abdur Rahman Crescent Engineering College

14. B. Tech Textile Technology, Total students passed 212 and rank eligibility 11

Uduman Ali A.S. 86% 5 S.S.M. College of Engineering

15. B.Arch – Architecture, Total students passed 87 and rank eligibility 4

Ayesha Khanam 81% 1 MEASI Academy of Architecture

16. M.E. Computer Science & Engineering, Total students passed 324, rank eligibility 16

Nazima H 85% 13 Sri Muthukumaran Institute of Technology

17. M.B.A. Total students passed 2961 and rank eligibility 50

Nazeema Begum S 86% 2 B.S. Abdur Rahman Crescent Engineering College

Anseera Banu H 83% 14 St. Joseph’s College of Engineering

Shahida Banu A 83% 22 Dhanalakshmi College of Engineering

Yasmeen N 81% 50 Alim Mohamed Salegh Co0llege of Engineering

18. M.C.A. Total students passed 6127 and rank eligibility 50

Asha Begum M 87% 36 B.S.Abdur Rahman Crescent Engineering College

Fathima Shifana K 86% 37 Sun College of Engineering & Technology

The Anna University, Chennai which is the authority for admitting students in the Anna University and its constituent colleges, Government Engineering Colleges, Government Aided Engineering Colleges and Anna University affiliated Private Engineering Colleges has started issuing application forms from 3rd May 2010. Forms can be had till 29 May, and the last date for submitting the filled in application form is 31 May.

The Anna University which will conduct the single window counselling for admissions as per the above schedule has printed more than 1.75 lakh application forms and made arrangements for issuing them to applicants in about 60 centres including its campus at Guindy in Chennai. There are many counters for sale of application forms here from 10.00 am to 5.00 pm on all days except Sundays and other holidays if any till 29th May 2010.

Indications are that even this year as in the past years applicants will like to choose the colleges where good infrastructure, experienced faculty and campus recruitments by big companies are available. Muslim students will also be as enthusiastic as others in grabbing the best possible colleges for them.

It is clear beyond any doubt that Muslims in Tamil Nadu have started getting higher education now more than ever before. The 3.5% reservation given for the minorities by the Tamil Nadu government is also giving them an opportunity to get more seats in engineering, medical and other courses. According to many reliable reports there is an increase in the number of Muslim students in all these courses.

B S Abdur Rahman Crescent Engineering College, Mohamed Sathak Engineering College, Dhaanish Ahmed College of Engineering, C. Abdul Hakeem College of Engineering and Technology and Noorul Islam College of Engineering are in the list of the Engineering Colleges affiliated to the Anna University whose students secured University Ranks in 2009. Some of the Muslim students who studied in some other engineering colleges also secured University Ranks last year.

It has to be noted that there are 456 Engineering Colleges including 6 government, 3 government aided and 16 Anna University constituent ones in Tamil Nadu providing 1,72,500 seats for study of different engineering courses. Last year only about 1,20,100 seats could be filled in and 52,400 seats remained without takers. The main reason for this is that students are very particular in getting admission in very popular and prestigious colleges particularly in big towns and cities. This apart there are also many Deemed Universities offering various engineering courses where students get admission. Even B.S. Abdur Rahman Crescent Engineering College became B.S. Abdur Rahman University last year.

IT companies like TCS, INFOSYS, WIPRO and COGNIZANT and many core companies visit mainly well established colleges to conduct interviews and select students for jobs. Hence getting admission in reputed colleges is very important for students both for their knowledge as well as job placement.

It is reported that many applications for starting new engineering colleges in Tamil Nadu are pending at the All India Council for Technical Education

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WHERE DOES THE LEATHER INDUSTRY STAND?

WHERE DOES THE LEATHER INDUSTRY STAND?


V. M. KHALEELUR RAHMAN

The reports available in the world press indicate that the global recovery of the economy is slow as a whole. While it is flat in Europe, it is better in Asia and South America but Chinese economy is growing well with its increasing imports and exports. The World Leather Business Week reported in March 2010 that "leather demand has not just recovered but the cheap raw material prices have also invited non-regular producers to re-enter or expand their productions in view of the attractive profit margins that have been obtainable in leather production in particular in China. This inflated demand and consumption of raw materials has added to the problem of shrinking supply." This seems to be the accurate assessment of the present scenario in the market. However just in about one month's time the prices of raw hides and skins have gone up considerably and even their availability is limited. One wonders if the leather market is also like the glamorous share market where there are more losers and few gainers despite expert consultations.

“AISHTMA” DELEGATION TO SYRIA AND IRAN

The Chennai based All India Skin & Hide Tanners and Merchants Association (AISHTMA) President Mr. M. Rafeeque Ahmed has sent a circular saying that they are planning “to visit Syria and then Iran on a later date also enabling the delegates to visit the 3rd Iranian Leather Exhibition during 25-29 May 2010.” The delegation of the interested members of the Association will leave Chennai on 19th May and return on 27th May 2010. The purpose of the visit is to find possibilities for importing the kind of raw hides and skins, which are in short supply here, to fulfill export targets apart from attending the above mentioned leather show.

EXPORT PERFORMANCE DURING APRIL 2009 TO FEBRUARY 2010

(Courtesy: Council for Leather Exports)

It is clear from the above data that there is a decline of 11.84% in the total exports of leather and leather products in US dollar values during the 11 months (April 2009 to February 2010) in comparison with the same period in the previous 11 months (April 2008 to February 2009)

Tanners who are in the leather industry since long believe that the strict “norms for identification of finished leather” is the main cause for decline of finished leather exports to the extent of 16.78%. They have been saying that tanners are not willing to do finished leather for export as they do not know what will happen to them at the time of export at the customs. The present situation in every field is for the powerful and daredevils. Innocent people cannot thrive in any field particularly in the leather industry as it is becoming more and more risky, tricky and unethical. Many tanners and exporters have even deserted the trade unable to face the current tendencies and challenges. It is rather very difficult if not impossible to survive in the trade for the small exporters who are voiceless and silent spectators to the goings on in the trade and industry.

E.I. TANNED HIDES AND SKINS

Some tanners lament: All the countries in the world allow export of even raw hides and skins, our government allows their imports without any restriction whatsoever but surprisingly despite repeated requests the age old Tamil Nadu speciality tanned hides and skins which are in good demand abroad are not considered at par with finished leather for export. They think that there is no strong lobby to represent this matter to the government.

SHOE INDUSTRY ON BETTER FOOTING

Generally speaking it is the shoe manufacturers who are running the show somewhat better in comparison with others despite global recession, declining exchange rates, increasing prices of raw hides and skins, chemicals etc. and giving employment opportunities to thousands of people, men and women, who mainly belong to the schedule caste, schedule tribe and backward communities, particularly in places like Chennai, Ambur, Ranipet etc. even though they are also handicapped by and large in not getting the required incentives from the government to face the unprecedented situation in the present lacklustre export market.

In spite of all best efforts by exporters, there is a decrease of 10.04% in the export of Leather Footwear and 18.87% in the export of Footwear Components. Exports of other items such as Leather Goods, Saddlery and Harness and Non Leather Footwear have also gone down 15.24, 14.63 and 4.93 per cent respectively. The only item which has shown a meagre increase of 1.65% is Leather Garments.

GENERAL IMPRESSION

The general impression in the market is that there is good demand for goat suedes, sheep nappa is also on the move and so is the case with cow hides in some select grades and marks. Indian exporters are not able to compete with their counterparts in Bangladesh and Pakistan who are getting not only more exchange rates but also more incentives for exports.

FAVOURABLE CHANGES NEEDED

One feels that changes in export and import policies, relaxation in export norms for finished leather, increase in drawback and other incentives are the urgent need of the time to make the leather industry grow and increase its exports in the highly competitive world market.

(Indian Leather, Chennai)

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ANNA UNIVERSITY ADMISSIONS IN ENGINEERING COLLEGES IN TAMIL NADU

ANNA UNIVERSITY ADMISSIONS IN ENGINEERING COLLEGES IN TAMIL NADU


BY V.M. KHALEELUR RAHMAN

The Anna University, Chennai which is the authority for admitting students in the Anna University and its constituent colleges, Government Engineering Colleges, Government Aided Engineering Colleges and Anna University affiliated Private Engineering Colleges has started issuing application forms from 3rd May 2010.

The details are as follows:

ISSUE OF APPLICATION FORMS ……………………………….FROM 3RD MAY TO 29TH MAY 2010

LAST DATE FOR SUBMITTING FILLED IN APPLICATIONS………………………….31ST MAY 2010

DATE OF ALLOTMENT OF RANDOM NUMBERS TO APPLICANTS……………15TH JUNE 2010

DATE OF RELEASE OF RANK LIST ……………………………………………………………18TH JUNE 2010

COUNSELLING PERIOD …………………………………………... FROM 26TH JUNE TO 25TH JULY 2010

The Anna University which will conduct the single window counselling for admissions as per the above schedule has printed more than 1.75 lakh application forms and made arrangements for issuing them to applicants in about 60 centres including its campus at Guindy in Chennai. There are many counters for sale of application forms here from 10.00 am to 5.00 pm on all days except Sundays and other holidays if any till 29th May 2010.

The indications are that even this year as in the past years applicants will like to choose the colleges where good infrastructure, experienced faculty and campus recruitments by big companies are available. Muslim students will also be as enthusiastic as others in grabbing the best possible colleges for them.

It is clear beyond any doubt that Muslims in Tamil Nadu have started getting higher education now more than ever before. The 3.5% reservation given for the minorities by the Tamil Nadu government is also giving them an opportunity to get more seats in engineering, medical and other courses. According to many reliable reports there is an increase in the number of Muslim students in all these courses. B S Abdur Rahman Crescent Engineering College, Mohamed Sathak Engineering College, Dhaanish Ahmed College of Engineering, C. Abdul Hakeem College of Engineering and Technology and Noorul Islam College of Engineering are in the list of the Engineering Colleges affiliated to the Anna University whose students secured University Ranks in 2009. Some of the Muslim students who studied in some other engineering colleges also secured University Ranks last year.

It has to be noted that there are 456 Engineering Colleges including 6 government, 3 government aided and 16 Anna University constituent ones in Tamil Nadu providing 1,72,500 seats for study of different engineering courses. Last year only about 1,20,100 seats could be filled in and 52,400 seats remained without takers. The main reason for this is that students are very particular in getting admission in very popular and prestigious colleges particularly in big towns and cities. This apart there are also many Deemed Universities offering various engineering courses where students get admission. Even B.S. Abdur Rahman Crescent Engineering College became B.S. Abdur Rahman University last year. IT companies like TCS, INFOSYS, WIPRO and COGNIZANT and many core companies visit mainly well established colleges to conduct interviews and select students for jobs. Hence getting admission in reputed colleges is very important for students both for their knowledge as well as job placement.

It is reported that many applications for starting new engineering colleges in Tamil Nadu are pending at the All India Council for Technical Education.

The following is the list of Muslim students who secured University Ranks in the examinations conducted during April/May 2009 along with their percentage of marks, rank and the college where they studied.

1. B.E. Aeronautical Engineering, Total students passed 467 and rank eligibility 23

Shafeeq Ahmed S 84% 9 Hindustan College of Engineering and Technology

Mohamed Asif Ali J 84% 11 Mohamed Sathak Engineering College

Md. Azarudeen J 84% 12 Mohamed Sathak Engineering College

2. B.E. Civil Engineering, Total students passed 2016 and rank eligibility 50

Affilkhan 89% 6 Saranathan College of Engineering

Fathima Tasneem S 88% 14 Saranathan College of Engineering

Nasreen Fathima H 87% 24 Bannari Amman Institute of Technology

Nazia Hazeen A 87% 28 Prince Shri Venkateshwara Padmavathy Eng.College

3. B.E. Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Total students passed 8513 and rank eligibility 50

Fareez Ahmed S 87% 20 Sri Sivasubramaniya Nadar College of Engineering

4. B.E. Electronics and Communication Engineering, Total students passed 14307 and rank eligibility 50

Gulam Nabi Alsath M 90% 3 Dhaanish Ahmed College of Engineering

Azhar Mohammed K 88% 26 B.S. Abdur Rahman Crescent Engineering College

Zulaikha Firdose A 87% 32 C.Abdul Hakeem College of Engineering & Technology

Shafna Basri K 87% 34 Asan Memorial College of Engineering & Technology

5. B.E. Electronics and Instrumentation Engineering, Total students passed 1451 and rank eligibility 50

Mohamed Rafiq M 86% 9 St. Joseph’s College of Engineering

Zaheer Shariff K 84% 37 Sri Ramakrishna Engineering College

6. B.E. Instrumentation and Control Engineering, Total students passed 481 and rank eligibility 24

Thameem Ansari S 84% 8 B.S. Abdur Rahman Crescent Engineering College

Mohamed Rafiq M 83% 14 B.S. Abdur Rahman Crescent Engineering College

Fathima Begum M 83% 15 B.S. Abdur Rahman Crescent Engineering College

7. B.E. Marine Engineering, Total students passed 57 and rank eligibility 3

Md. Naina Maricar S 87% 1 Mohamed Sathak Engineering College

8. B.E. Mechanical Engineering, Total students passed 6842 and rank eligibility 50

Md. Abdul Rahim M 87% 41 Kumaraguru College of Technology

Tariq Anwar N 86% 43 B.S. Abdur Rahman Crescent Engineering College

Ejaz Ahmed S 86% 46 Dr. Mahalingam College of Engineering & Technology

9. B.E. Production Engineering, Total students passed 76 and rank eligibility 4

Anwar Ibrahim S 81% 3 Sethu Institute of Technology

10. B.E. Bio-Medical Engineering, Total students passed 352 and rank eligibility 18

Izathunnisa Begum F 82% 15 Jerusalem College of Engineering

Rahmath Nisha E.A. 81% 18 Jerusalem College of Engineering

11. B.Tech Chemical Engineering, Total students passed 350 and rank eligibility 18

Fathima Jalal 90% 2 Sri Venkateswara College of Engineering

Abdul Gani A 88% 17 St. Peter’s Engineering College

12. B.Tech Information Technology, Total students passed 8113 and rank eligibility 50

Mohamed Rameeze 86% 35 Vel Tech

Fahumitha Parveen R 86% 44 St. Joseph’s College of Engineering

13. B.Tech Polymer Technology, Total students passed 47 and rank eligibility 2

Mansoor Akhthar B 91% 1 B.S. Abdur Rahman Crescent Engineering College

14. B. Tech Textile Technology, Total students passed 212 and rank eligibility 11

Uduman Ali A.S. 86% 5 S.S.M. College of Engineering

15. B.Arch – Architecture, Total students passed 87 and rank eligibility 4

Ayesha Khanam 81% 1 MEASI Academy of Architecture

16. M.E. Computer Science and Engineering, Total students passed 324 and rank eligibility 16

Nazima H 85% 13 Sri Muthukumaran Institute of Technology

17. M.B.A. Total students passed 2961 and rank eligibility 50

Nazeema Begum S 86% 2 B.S. Abdur Rahman Crescent Engineering College

Anseera Banu H 83% 14 St. Joseph’s College of Engineering

Shahida Banu A 83% 22 Dhanalakshmi College of Engineering

Yasmeen N 81% 50 Alim Mohamed Salegh Co0llege of Engineering

18. M.C.A. Total students passed 6127 and rank eligibility 50

Asha Begum M 87% 36 B.S.Abdur Rahman Crescent Engineering College

Fathima Shifana K 86% 37 Sun College of Engineering & Technology

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A REJOINDER TO MR. N. RAM

A REJOINDER TO MR. N. RAM


A two-day national workshop on "Sixty years of Secularism and Pluralism" was organised in Chennai by the Centre for Study of Society and Secularism, Mumbai, and the Department of Political Science and Development Administration, Gandhigram Rural Institute on 28th April 2010. The Hindu dated 29th April 2010 has reported it as follows among other things:

In his valedictory address, N. Ram, Editor-in-Chief of The Hindu said secularism was not just about doing away with communalism or the political mobilisation of the people on communal lines, but more about an uncompromising commitment to the principles of secularism and adherence to the equality and fairness doctrine of the Constitution.

Secularism was also about issues such as how women are treated in majority or minority communities, Mr. Ram said. He pointed to a recent instance when the organisers of a seminar on Islam and non-violence came under attack by some so-called moderates for taking a stand against domestic violence in the community. The organisers had merely suggested a correct interpretation of a word in the Quran because the word was wrongly being taken as religious sanction for domestic violence against the woman.

OUR REPLY TO THE ABOVE:

Indian Muslims follow Indian secularism and the Constitution of India which guarantees religious freedom. The speech of an organiser of the seminar under reference irritated the people. He was only asked to explain what was meant by "the forum for the promotion of moderate thought in Islam" as its connotation is faulty. Ours is a democratic country and there was nothing wrong in seeking explanation from him. In fact it was this question which made many people, who were disappointed, keep quiet without creating a scene.

We do not know the brand of secularism Mr. N. Ram, being a well known atheist has talked about. Anyhow we Indians by and large do not follow the George Jacob Holyoake’s brand of secularism defined as follows:

Secularism is a code of duty pertaining to this life, founded on considerations purely human, and intended mainly for those who find theology indefinite or inadequate, unreliable or unbelievable. Its essential principles are three:

1) The improvement of this life by material means.

2) That science is the available Providence of man.

3) That it is good to do good. Whether there be other good or not, the good of the present life is good, and it is good to seek that good.

It is also said that Holyoake held that secularism and secular ethics should take no interest at all in religious questions (as they were irrelevant), and was thus to be distinguished from strong freethought and atheism. In this he disagreed with Charles Bradlaugh, and the disagreement split the secularist movement between those who argued that anti-religious movements and activism was not necessary or desirable and those who argued that it was.

He was also convicted for blasphemy in his country.

No domestic violence has ever occurred in the Muslim community because of any interpretation of any word in the holy Quran. Islam has made it clear that " Heaven lies under the feet of your mother " and " One has to get the certificate of good conduct from his wife to enter paradise " .The organisers should have highlighted these and many more things which Islam preaches to stress the need for better family ties and bonds. There was no need at all to attack the great translators of the holy Quran in the seminar. It was considered as a mischief and people were upset and disappointed. Even some women raised their objections to his speech.

Mr. N. Ram says that “the organizers came under attack by some so-called moderates. “ Does he believe that they are only so called moderates?” Does he not know them personally and how secular they are in expressing their views?

The Hindu of which Mr. N. Ram is the Editor-in-Chief published an article highly critical of the Islamic scholars which had already been published in the Hindustan Times and Indian Express before. The Hindu which does not solicit published articles published it for the reason best known to it and also published five letters in support of it ignoring views against it. What sort of freedom of the press is this?

V.M. KHALEELUR RAHMAN
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CALENDAR FOR MANKIND: AN EXHIBITION CUM SEMINAR IN CHENNAI

CALENDAR FOR MANKIND: AN EXHIBITION CUM SEMINAR IN CHENNAI
BY V.M. KHALEELUR RAHMAN

Chennai: The Hijra Committee of India organised a day long Exhibition cum Seminar in Chennai yesterday on October 17, 2009. Many speakers from Kerala, Tamil Nadu and other states stressed the need for adopting a lunar calendar based on the teachings of Islam. They termed the calendar they evolved scientifically and on the basis of the Islamic principles as 'The Calendar for Mankind'.

Dr. Koya Kutty Farooqui, Dr. A. Mohammed Ali (Former Professor of Arabic & Islamic Studies International Islamic University, Malaysia), Saifuddin, Maulvi Mohammed Zubair, Captain Siddiqui, Masood and others expressed their views on the importance of the scientifically evolved lunar calendar during the seminar.

The speakers were of the opinion that there is no need to depend on anybody for starting the fasting during the month of Ramadan, celebrating the Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Azha or deciding any other important thing as Allah had fixed everything when the skies and the earth were created and it is our duty to follow them.

According to them the argument that we should do our religious duties only after seeing the moon with our eyes and start the month cannot be correct in the present modern scientific world. They insisted that we should take advantage of the astro physics, easily available to us now without necessarily seeing the vanishing moon after Maghrib prayers.

Musthafa Mohamed of the Hijra Committee explained that there are many verses of the Holy Quran and Ahadees (sayings of Prophet Mohammed - sal-am) which encourage us to adopt modern technologies. He quoted the Ayat of the holy Quran 2:189 which says inter-alia " they ask thee ( O Muhammed) of new moons. Say, they are fixed seasons for mankind and for the pilgrimage".

The celebration of Eids on different days even in a state and sometimes even in a town or district based on our sighting of the moon, according to the Hijra committee, is against the Islamic concepts and hence we should all celebrate the Eids on the same days and do all our religious obligations as per the lunar calendar. In his opinion even the NASA is following the lunar calendar system. Dr. Koya Kutty Farooqui was also with him explaining many things in this regard.

A calendar is a system of organising days for social, religious, commercial or administrative purposes. There are different varieties of calendars based on either solar, lunar or luni-solar systems and the popular among them are the Gregorian, Julian, Islamic, Hebrew, Iranian, Hindu and Chinese calendars. The example of a lunar calendar is the Islamic calendar whereas the Persian calendar is of solar system. There is also a luni-solar calendar based on the combination of both solar and lunar reckonings. The example for this is the calendar of China and the Hindu calendar in our country India. It is said that the Islamic calendar is used by most Muslims in the world.

The calendar which we use is called Gregorian. It has the international standard and is used almost everywhere in the world for civil purposes.

The Hijra committee is mobilising opinions in favour of a standard Islamic lunar calendar to carry out everything including Eids on the same fixed dates as per the calendar without landing in confusions under the existing practice of sighting the moon and celebrating the Eids - a practice not attested by the holy Quran or Ahadees.

Musthafa Mohamed also cited a letter written by Pandit Jawaherlal Nehru, the then Prime Minister of India, had written to Prof. Meghnath Saha, Chairman of the Calendar Reform Committee (CRC) to evolve a scientifically advanced calendar wherin he had said, "Government have entrusted to the CRC the work of examining different calendars followed in India and proposing an accurate and uniform calendar for the whole of India based on scientific study. I am told that we have at present 30 different calendars. Of course they are the natural result of our past history and partly they are due to the former political divisions in India. Now that we are independent, there should be a uniform calendar for our country's civic, social and other purposes, and our calendar should be evolved scientifically. For government and public work, we follow the Gregorian calendar, which is used in the greater part of the world. But even that calendar has its own defects. The fact that it is largely used does make it important. It has many virtues, but certain defects in it make it unsatisfactory for universal use. I do hope that our scientists will give a proper lead in making that attempt a success."

The Hijra Committee is of the opinion that the community, ulema and intellectuals should discuss this vital issue threadbare and celebrate the Eids on fixed dates and carry out all other religious obligations with unity as per the Islamic lunar calendar system.

PLURAL LAWS FOR PLURAL SOCIETY

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PLURAL LAWS FOR PLURAL SOCIETY

BY V.M. KHALEELUR RAHMAN

On the question of Common Civil Code (CCC), one feels that the judiciary has not created a conducive atmosphere for its enactment. Rather it continues to give a gratuitous suggestion about its necessity. It is this attitude which has made the minorities, particularly Muslims and Christians worry.

In a plural society like India only plural laws can give a strong feeling of nationality. Ours is a country of people belonging to different faiths and cultures and of course they must have the laws of their respective choice. The different personal laws in vogue now should continue to exist for the purpose of unity and solidarity of the country. If a CCC is imposed on the unwilling minorities, it will not only be of no use, but also weaken our country. The best way is to make the different personal laws uniform as much as possible. There is no attempt in this respect by any quarter just because the uncalled for obiter dicta of the Supreme Court is being exploited by communal parties to their selfish political ends and the Muslim intellectuals who have the interest of the community and country at heart have lost their grounds for reforms of the Muslim personal law in the midst of rampant communal atmosphere.

There is an urgent need for creating a right atmosphere in the country where people can feel free to think and decide their issues. Moreover there is mention of a uniform civil code in the Directive Principles of the Constitution and not of a common civil code. It is well known that the Hindu laws are not the same everywhere in the country. The tribals also enjoy their own laws and they continue to receive support from all politicians. As the first step let the Hindu laws be made uniform.

This writer asked many ulemas about this issue. They say in so many words that they cannot oppose a common civil code if it is within the framework of the Islamic laws but there is no possibility of this and hence their opposition. It is wrong to say that Muslims oppose a CCC. They only oppose any imposition of unwanted laws on them because they feel and rightly so that Islam provides better laws which are not only for them but for all human beings of all times. On the contrary the laws found in the Indian personal laws are not perfect.

The Muslims should consider that the Holy Quran has given excellent laws about marriage, divorce, inheritance etc. which are indeed far better than the modern laws and so they should adopt them in spirit and letter.

A majority of Muslims oppose the unilateral and instant triple divorce system and prefer the rational Quranic laws. The Ulema belonging to the Ahle-hadees school of thought simply consider this system un-Islamic and invalid. All other Ulemas also consider the instant triple system an act of the days of ignorance (Ayyamul Jahiliyya) but "occured" if it is practised even though it is not an approved system in the light of the holy Quran and Ahadees. All Ulemas say that divorce should only be the last resort and there should not be any hasty decision.

There are many books written on this subject. Moreover almost all Muslim intellectuals, including Justice V. Khalid, former judge of the Supreme court, disapprove this system and consider it un-Islamic..

Islam provides laws for all situations and it is our inability to make use of them properly. And it is this inability of ours which often lands us in trouble. If Muslims follow the Islamic laws in spirit and letter, not only they will be benefited, but even people belonging to other faiths will come forward to follow them because of their fairness.

The Muslim Personal Law should continue to be in existence.

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SEMINAR ON ISLAM AND NON-VIOLENCE IN CHENNAI

CHENNAI SEMINAR ON ‘ISLAM & NON-VIOLENCE’


BY V.M. KHALEELUR RAHMAN

The much publicized seminar on “Islam and Non-violence” organized by the Forum for promotion of Moderate Thought in Islam in Chennai on Monday, 26th April 2010 was successful and well attended. All the speakers listed in the programme The Prince of Arcot Mr. Mohammed Abdul Ali, Mr. Asghar Ali Engineer, Mr. Moosa Raza, SIET Chairman, Mr. Andrew T. Simkin, Consul General of the United States of America, Mr. R. Nataraj, I.P.S., Director General of Police, Mr. Shakeel Akhtar, I.P.S, Additional Commissioner of Police attended and delivered their speeches on the occasion.

The seminar began with the recitation of the verses of the holy Quran. Mr. N. Roohullah, Treasurer of the Forum recited the verse 13 of Surah Al-Hujurat and gave its meaning

“( O mankind! We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that ye may know each other (not that ye may despise (each other). Verily the most honoured of you in the sight of God is (he who is) the most righteous of you. And God has full knowledge and is well acquainted (with all things)” (Translation by Yusuf Ali )

and delivered a speech in English stressing the need to understand the divine notion that the entire human community is one although it is of different languages, cultures, colours, communities and countries and nobody can be superior in the sight of Allah on the basis of anything except piety. In other words one should build his character on the right path shown by God. His emphasis was on the fact that Islam stands for equality, fraternity, peace and prosperity of the human race as a whole and there is no room for non-violence. His speech was gentle and meaningful and appreciated by the audience.

The Secretary General of the Forum Mr. A. Faizur Rahman, a critical analyst as he is well known, during his speech touched the controversial issue of the right of a husband to beat his wife and said referring to the Verse 34 of Surah Al-Nisa 4 of the holy Quran said that the word “zaraba” used here does not mean “to strike” but used in the meaning of “to explain by giving an example”. His tone and tenor and criticism of the translators who were great Islamic scholars was not liked by the audience in general.

I quote the ayat here for the ready reference of readers:

“Men are the protectors and maintainers of women because Allah has made one of them excel over the other, and because they spend out of their possessions (to support them). Thus righteous women are obedient and guard the rights of men in their absence under Allah’s protection. As for women of whom you fear rebellion, admonish them, and remain apart from them in beds, and beat them. Then if they obey you, do not seek ways to harm them. Allah is the Exalted, the Great.” (Maulana Abul Ala Maududi – English translation by Zafer Ishaq Ansari)

NOTE of the translator :

This does not mean that a man should resort to this three measures all at once, but that they may be employed if a wife adopts an attitude of obstinate defiance. So far as the actual application of these measures is concerned, there should naturally be some correspondence between the fault and the punishment that is administered. Moreover, it is obvious that wherever a light measure can prove effective one should not resort to stern measures. Whenever the Prophet permitted a man to administer corporal punishment to his wife, he did so with great reluctance, and continued to express his utter distaste for it.

Mr. Faizur Rahman had also written an article about it earlier in which he says as follows:

The New York Times on March 22, 2007 reported that a German Judge turned down citing the Quran, a Muslim wife's request for a fast-track divorce on the ground that her husband beat her from the beginning of their marriage. The Judge justified her ruling by saying that the couple came from a Moroccan cultural milieu in which it is common for husbands to beat their wives because the Quran sanctions such physical abuse.

The Judge was obviously quoting one of the most mistranslated verses of the Quran (4:34) which supposedly allows wife beating. The mistranslated word is wazribuhunna which is derived from the root zaraba. Major commentators of the Quran including Ibn Kasir, Pickthall, and Maulana Maududi, the founder of Jamat-e-Islami, have rendered this word as "beat them" ignoring the fact that the word zaraba has various other shades of meaning. Out of the 50 times it occurs in the Quran, 31 times it has been used in the meaning of "to explain by giving an example." Only 10 times it has used to mean "to strike" but mostly in the context of Moses "striking the rock" or the sea, and angels "striking the faces" of the sinners.

Even if there has been a judgement like this actually, it only shows the ignorance or mischief of the judge in giving a verdict on a divorce case quoting a sentence about the beating of the erring wife by the husband. Unless we read the version of the judgement in detail, we cannot comment on it.

It is also written in many Islamic books that beating of the erring wife as a last resort after many persuasions as mentioned in the note above was permissible only by ‘miswak” ( a tooth brush). This is not an issue at all. The Secretary should not have touched this issue in the conference where dignified speakers, press persons and knowledgeable Muslims and non-Muslims were present.

The Prince of Arcot Mr. Mohammed Abdul Ali made a powerful speech saying that his ancestors the carnatic rulers were highly secular, gave importance to the welfare of the subject and donated lands to temples, churches etc. without any discrimination on religious grounds. He gave so many examples of the camaraderie prevailed and prevailing between his family and other religious heads belonging to other communities. People listened to him with all attention and interest. However he could not help saying that he was disappointed with the Forum. He expressed his apprehensions about the Quran being misinterpreted by such attempts. He questioned the Secretary about his intentions in naming the forum as the “Forum for promotion of Moderate Thought in Islam” and said that “ not even a comma can be changed in the holy Quran. I am warning you, don’t tamper with the Quran. This is a sensitive issue. You will only end up in creating trouble”.

It seems that the Prince of Arcot who is a well wisher of Mr. Faizur Rahman took liberty to advise him as above.

The Secretary said in his defence that “the Quran is moderate. We are not deviating from it. We are only targeting extremist thought”.

Mr. Moosa Raza said that Islam rejected all forms of extremism and felt that the best response of the Muslims threatened by the influential and powerful Western culture should be to adopt the good values of the West, educate themselves and learn the present advances in science and technology in which Muslims were once at the zenith. He quoted the history of Muslim achievements in Spain and other countries in detail.

He felt that insecurity was the cause for troubles and said that the government of India was sympathetic to them. He appealed to the Muslims to make full use of the funds allocated by the government to the Ministry of Minority Affairs for their upliftment. He stated that the Ministry had spent only 3.50 per cent of an annual allocation of Rs.1850 crore.

As regards to the comments of the Prince of Arcot, he also felt that the name of the Forum could be changed as “Forum for Promotion of Moderate Thought among Muslims”

Mr. Natarajan and Mr. Shakeel Ahmed also spoke about the contribution of Islam and Muslims in bringing unity and fraternity among the people.

Mr. Asghar Ali Engineer spoke excellently in his characteristic cool and calm manner explaining many things including the importance of belief, good deeds and patience which are manifest in the following Surah Al-Asr. and answered questions from the audience

1. By the declining day

2. Lo! Man is in a state of loss

3. Save those who believe and do good works and exhort one another to truth and exhort one another to endurance.

Even to a question of a youngster who faced some problem at an airport abroad just because his name started with “Shaikh”, Mr. Engineer said that we should understand the situation and tackle it with patience and wisdom. He also answered many other questions from the audience.

The English daily The Hindu which always gives importance to values reported the proceedings of the conference in a positive manner under heading “Peace, tolerance central to Islam” whereas another English daily The Times of India highlighted the slight verbal spat in a sensational manner under the title “Forum sparks heated debate on moderate side of Islam.”

There is no doubt that the seminar was highly successful despite the slight verbal spat.

Note: Just now I have received a message from Mr. A. Faizur Rahman that the name of the Forum has been changed as “Forum for the Promotion of Moderate Thought among Muslims”. This has been done in accordance with the demand made by H.H. the Prince of Arcot. Mr. Mohammed Abdul Ali.

EDUCATIONAL COUNSELLING CENTRE: A NOBLE INITIATIVE FOR TAMIL NADU MUSLIMS

EDUCATIONAL COUNSELLING CENTRE: A NOBLE INITIATIVE FOR TAMIL NADU MUSLIMS

By V. M. KHALEELUR RAHMAN for TwoCircles.net,

Chennai: No doubt, the Muslims of Tamil Nadu have improved educationally to some extent during the past two decades, thanks to the awakening among them for higher education such as medical and engineering even though it is not as fast and vigorous as in other communities. The Tamil Nadu Haj Service Society is guiding the community by conducting free educational counselling and courses through its Educational Counselling Centre.
Of late, Muslims have started understanding that they cannot think of progress and prosperity without higher education. The IT industry is also attracting a large number of students and traditional business such as leather, textile, hardware etc. are losing their charm due to various reasons. Time changes and unless we change with the times, we will stand nowhere in the glare of the world.

The Tamil Nadu Haj Service Society is guiding the community by successfully conducting free educational counselling and other courses to boys and girls by its Educational Counselling Centre established in the year 2004. Hundreds of students - both boys and girls - are benefited every year by its highly useful guidance. There is a team of well qualified and experienced counsellors and efficient administrative staff to guide them. The counsellors are happy that they have been successful in bringing out the hidden talent and in-built potential of the students during the counselling sessions in the presence of their parents. A number of students who had counselling in the Centre have completed their studies and secured placements as doctors, engineers, teachers, etc.

M. Mohammed Hashim is the President, H. Muhammed Afzal the Hon. Secretary and A. Mohammed Ashraf the Hon. Treasurer of the Tamil Nadu Haj Service Society, Chennai which is situated at No. 3, Demellows Road, Choolai, Chennai – 600 112.

A team of eminent faculty has started giving higher educational guidance to students on the first come first served basis. They are also conducting the following courses for the benefit of the community:

1. Certificate course in language - Basic Urdu
2. Certificate course in spoken language - English
3. Certificate course in basic computers - Hardware and Software
Duration of the course is two and a half months (From 1st April to 15th June 2010)
Timings: 4.30 p.m. to 8.30 p.m. Separate arrangements and exclusive dates/schedules are available for girl students.

When I visited the Haj House to make an on-the-spot study of their activities, I saw many students and parents seeking guidance there from the experienced faculty. Urdu, English and Computer classes were also in progress.

The following are the panel members for 2010 who have come forward to serve the community without expecting any remuneration.

1. Janab L.W. Abdul Wadood, M.A., M.Phil, retired Professor of Economics, Jamal Mohammed College, Trichy
2. Janab M.J.A. Meeran, M.Sc., M.Phil, retired Professor of Physics, The New College, Chennai
3. Janab R. Akbar Ansari, B.Sc, MBA, PGDFM, DCPA, Assistant Manager, Indian Bank, International Division, Chennai
4. Dr. S. Dawood Sharief, M.Sc, M.Phil, Ph.D, Associate Professor, Vice-Principal of Evening College, The New College, Chennai
5. Janab A. Mohammed Meeran, B.Sc, Bio-Chemist (Rtd), Corporation of Chennai, Chennai
6. Janab Mohammed Fayaz, B.Sc, M.A., M.Ed., Educational Consultant, Chennai
7. Janab M.I. Mohamed Ayub, M.Sc., M.A., M.Ed., PGDCA, Principal, Anaikar Higher Secondary School, Chennai
8. Captain Zahid Hussain, M.A., M. Phil, Selection grade lecturer, Dept. of economics, The New College
9. Janab A. Syed Javid Hassan, M.Com., MBA, M.Ed, PGDFM, Accounts and Finance Consultant, Chennai
10. Dr. Mazher Sultana, M.Sc., M.Ed., M.Phil., Ph.D, P.G.D, (Bio.Tech), Additional Professor, Presidency College, Chennai
11. Dr. S.K. Zareena, M.A., M.Ed., Ph.D, (Education), Principal, MEASI College of Education, Chennai.

The efforts taken by the Educational Counselling Centre and the faculty are really praiseworthy. Their guidance is helpful to the students in selecting the right course of study for them. One feels that such activities which are going on in some other places also should be undertaken in as many places as possible in order to make the community realize the importance of higher education more and more and provide them details about available degree courses, their importance, fee structures, scholarships, colleges having these courses etc.
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LEATHER INDUSTRY AND UNION BUDGET 2010-11

LEATHER INDUSTRY AND UNION BUDGET 2010-11
BY V.M. KHALEELUR RAHMAN

The budget presented by the hon’ble Finance Minister Mr. Pranab Mukherjee on 26th February 2010 can be considered as “ people friendly “ because he has given relief to individual taxpayers by widening the personal income tax slab as shown below:

Income For males below 65 years For females below 65 years
Old New Old New
Up to Rs. 1,60,000 Nil Nil Nil Nil
Rs. 1,60,000 to Rs. 1,90,000 10% 10% Nil Nil
For both male and female
Old New
Rs.1,90,000 to 3,00,000 10% 10%
Rs. 3,00,000 to Rs. 5,00,000 20% 10%
Rs.5,00,000 to Rs. 8,00,000 30% 20%
Above Rs. 8,00,000 30% 30%

For senior citizens the exemption limit increased from Rs.2,25,000 to Rs.2,40,000

Contributions to Central Government Health Scheme up to Rs.20,000 are exempted from tax. But gift of gold, silver, other precious metals is taxable after 1.6.2010 if it is not from relative, inherited or on marriage. There is also benefit of deduction for investments up to Rs.20,000 in long term infrastructure bonds over and above existing Rs. 1 lakh limit under Section 80C of IT Act for investing in savings like Provident Fund, Mutual Funds, Insurance schemes etc. However there is no relief for the lower income group.

VIT University Chancellor Mr. G. Viswanathan while asking the government to take measures to prevent foreign universities, if permitted in our country, from grabbing faculty from leading institutions, has suggested that incentives be given to teachers to attract talented persons to teaching profession. In his opinion one of the ways for this can be to grant exemption to teachers from paying income tax or impose a lesser tax as in Pakistan where the tax is just 5% for teachers.

A tanner pointed out that such unexpected but important suggestions are rightly made to improve the conditions of the Indian educational institutions at the present when the proposal for allowing foreign universities in our country is being debated, but there seems to be no such “think tanks” in the leather industry, which is passing through a difficult period, to suggest something necessity for its improvement.

TIRUPUR DYEING UNITS BENEFITED

The one-time grant of Rs.200 crore provided in the budget coupled with the Rs.120 crore grant from the Tamil Nadu government is expected to bring much relief to the Tirupur dyers. No doubt it was the urgent need of the time.

Many tanners and exporters say that we should not be carried away by the glitterings we see in the leather fairs. The fact is that the leather and leather products industry is still struggling for survival and unless there is some support in the forms of increased incentives and drawbacks from the government things cannot move well in the industry in production and export. We cannot forget that there are stiff competitions from countries like China and Pakistan in the world market. The leather and leather products manufacturers and exporters are in a dilemma, not knowing what to do and how to proceed further. The small units are the worst sufferers. Many tanners I interviewed told me that the Council for Leather Exports and other associations are not serious in representing the leather industry to the government.

CONSUMER ITEMS

Consumer items like mobile handsets, battery chargers, play stations, solar powered and electric cars are to cost less and prices of allopathic, homeopathic and ayurvedic medicines will also be somewhat lower as their excise duty was reduced.

Petrol, diesel, domestic air travel, cigarette etc. are to cost more.
It is reported that the Finance Minister Mr. Pranab Mukherjee was a pipe smoker till about 25 years ago. He is not smoking now. He has threatened smokers with more taxes in order to discourage them from smoking. Every right thinking person feels that it is perfectly in order. In the meantime he and his other ministerial colleagues would do well to think of discouraging alcoholism also by all possible ways and after sometime ban it completely. His attempts to make our country healthier and richer are welcome and praiseworthy.

MAT AND EXCISE DUTIES

Many associations hailed the budget as fine or excellent act meant for development but expressed disappointment at many disadvantages including the hike in the Minimum Alternative Tax (MAT) and excise duties. Some of them had been demanding cut in MAT from 15 to 10 percent but the government increased it to 18 percent. MAT is a tax payable by the companies which have received tax benefits or tax exception under various schemes.

Mr. Singhania, President of Federation of Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), has also said that “by and large the finance minister has provided a stable tax and policy framework for the Indian economy to move forward. However the industry is disappointed that he has raised the MAT rate from 15 to 18% when the industry was demanding a cut down to 10 percent”. He has further said that “the impact of excise duty hike across the board coupled with increase in excise duty on petrol and diesel will add pressure on the price line in current circumstances”.
Mr. M. Rafeeque Ahmed, Chairman, Farida group, has also welcomed the budget for its developmental aspects, hailed the provision of one time grant of Rs.200 crore to Tirupur dyers and expressed concern over the increase in MAT from 15% to 18%.

TANNERS’ DISAPPOINTMENTS

Many tanners and merchants in the leather industry express their disappointment that the leather associations are not as active as they should be to assess its present conditions and make suitable and necessary suggestions to the government to achieve export targets and march forward in the highly competitive world market. According to reliable sources, export of leather is likely to go down in the coming days.

They also regret that in the 2188 member strong organization - Council for Leather Exports –a very few members attend its General Body Meeting every year and hence there is no opportunity at all for discussing burning issues and resolving them in a way acceptable to all.

(Indian Leather, April 2010)
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WAS THE LEATHER FAIR SUCCESSFUL...?

WAS THE LEATHER FAIR SUCCESSFUL….?

V.M.KHALEELUR RAHMAN

The 25th India International Leather Fair 2010 (IILF) organized by the India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO) and inaugurated by the honourable union minister for textiles Mr. Dayanidhi Maran, held from 31st January to 3rd February 2010, at Chennai Trade Centre, Nundambakkam, Chennai attracted more participants this year despite the global recession.

A GRAND ANNUAL SHOW

According to Mr. Subas Pani, Chairman and Managing Director, ITPO the display area in the fair was spread over 8400 sq.mts and 437 exhibitors participated in it – 265 from our country and 172 from other 24 countries – which represented an increase of 10% in terms of display area and 13% in terms of number of participants compared to the event last year. He said that the IILF was crossing a major milestone after the seed was sown 25 years ago and it had grown into a high fruit yielding tree providing benefit to the Indian leather industry.

The fair was really a big event, of course an improved one. It provided a good opportunity for the participants to display their products such as machinery, chemicals, leather and leather products like shoes and garments, publications etc. and interact with different industrialists, traders and agents to promote their business. The only thing that upset many visitors was insufficient coffee shops and vegetarian restaurants. The nearby store selling tea, cakes and snacks was crowded and had no sitting place. Many visitors were seen going out of the fair area for tea and lunch. The organizers would do well do look into this matter and arrange for the same in the next fair. However the ITPO deserves congratulations and thanks for its otherwise excellent arrangements in the present market scenario. It has proved that whether it rains or shines, its annual extravaganza takes place undisturbed as ever to the satisfaction of all.

CLE AWARDS FOR BEST EXPORT PERFORMANCE

The hon’ble union minister Mr. Dayanidhi Maran who inaugurated the fair appreciated the leather industry for its contribution to growth, employment generation and foreign exchange earnings and attempts to recover from the impacts of the global recession and urged it to give more importance to value added leather products and safeguarding environment through proper pollution control measures. He assured the industry that the government would extend its support to it for increasing growth and export. Later he handed over the CLE awards to 70 members of the Council for Leather Exports (CLE) under different categories for their best export performance in the year 2008-09 in spite of global economic crisis in the middle of that year and extended his felicitations to them. He also honoured Dr. R. Ganesh Jeevan, Dr. C. Muralidharan and Mr. Mohammed Sadiq with CLE awards in recognition and appreciation of their contributions to the leather industry.

CHAIRMAN, CLE ADDRESS

Earlier Mr. Habeeb Hussain, chairman, Council for Leather Exports welcomed the gathering and said that the late union minister Mr. Murasoli Maran had contributed immensely for setting up the Chennai Trade Centre in 2001 and the IILF had the privilege of hosting its event first in this venue and that he was the architect of the Tannery Modernization Fund, the fruits of which were very much visible. He also said that there was recovery and growth of the leather industry from the recession during the last quarter October-December 2009. He further said, “China and Vietnam had copied a model which India invented 30 years ago and met with huge success in implementing this model i.e. industrial estate with the requisite infrastructure.” He appealed to the hon’ble minister to create a “Mission Mode” for the leather and textile & apparel sectors and set a target of creating an additional one million jobs in the leather sector alone in the next 5 years and possibly many times more than that in the textile & apparel sector.

LEATHER EXPORT IN NEGATIVE GROWTH

The leather and leather products industry is to land in negative growth for the year 2009-10 despite positive growth in export during October and November 2009 as the data provided by the Council for Leather exports shows a fall of 16.13% with its total export of US$2121.80 million during April/November 2009 compared to US$2529.85 million during the same period in 2008.

It is to be noted that that finished leather has recorded a drastic fall of 27.47% in exports from US$524.28 million to US$380.26 million. Two reasons can be attributed for this. One is the dull market situation and the other is the strict norms being followed for identification of finished leather at the customs. Many tanners have given up doing finished leather as they do not want to face the custom problems. This writer had highlighted this earlier also in Indian Leather. If the norms are removed, finished leather exports will double and if the duty on E.I. tanned skins and hides is abolished, it will be exported and our foreign exchange earnings will increase further.

SEMINARS

The CLE and Indian Shoe Federation (ISF) arranged seminars on “Speciality adhesives for footwear & leather – the green future” by Henkel and “The global US shoe market outlook” on 1st February 2010
There were another two seminars on 2nd February 2010 – 1) CLE and IFLMEA seminar on “Journey Towards Excellence” (Lessons from Auto Component Industry) and “Accredited Production & Compliance “ 2) UNIDO-ISF-IFLMEA seminar on “Leather and Footwear Industry” supported by CLE.
All the seminars were well attended and useful to the people in the industry and trade.

The Council for Leather Exports brought out its first issue of LEATHER NEWS INDIA during the fair. Its editorial, Chairman’s write-up and other articles on environment, perspective, technology, trade etc. are informative. No doubt, the trade and industry will welcome and support it.

FAIR WAS SUCCESSFUL BUT …

Many participants said that the fair was successful in all aspects but the volume of business done seems to be on expected lines as the world leather and leather products market is still to come out fully from the impacts of the global recession. However there are many signs of early recovery from this phenomenon as indicated by several Indian and overseas importers and exporters who participated in the fair. The prices quoted by overseas tanners and exporters for their leathers made it clear that there will be good demand for Indian leather and leather products in the world market because of their quality and competitive prices.

(Indian Leather, March 2010)

ISLAM AND THE PROPHET (S.A.W.) BY AMINA KHALEEL

ISLAM AND THE PROPHET (S.A.W)

BY AMINA KHALEEL

Allah bestowed Prophet Muhammad (sal-am) with the great honour of being His Last Messenger to propagate Islam and to teach people the right way of life, the difference between right and wrong, and the life in this world and the hereafter. Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be to him) fulfilled his mission with great success. What he has achieved and how he transformed uncivilised and uncultured people into God-fearing, law abiding, pious and sincere human beings is simply fabulous. We must understand his teachings, his qualities and behaviour with the thought that we might be able to imbibe at least some part of it in our lives. In this way we might at least come closer to live a life which Allah wants us to live – a pious, sincere, happy and guilt-free life.

We must learn about the scenario before the advent of Islam, the difficulties faced by the Prophet and his followers, the victories they won and finally the various practices and qualities which are needed to be practised and imbibed as mentioned in the Qur’ān and propagated by the Prophet to lead a pious and happy life. Even before our Prophet was ordained, he was known as ‘Amin’, the Trustworthy. People completely trusted him and had the highest regard for his honesty and integrity. It was Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be to him) who was chosen to fix the Hajr-e-Aswad (the Black Stone) while the repairing of Ka’bah was carried out. He spread a sheet on the ground and placed the stone in the centre of the sheet and asked representatives of the tribes to take hold of the sheet at the four corners and raise it to the desired height. He then took the stone and placed it at the proper place. In this way he not only ensured equality but also won the hearts of the people. Because of his high moral calibre and exemplary qualities, Muhammad (sal-am) was destined to be a Messenger of Allah. Allah would not have given this huge responsibility to anyone less worthy.

Prophet Muhammad (sal-am) conveyed the word of Allah to people and lived his entire life in the light of the very principles Islam stands for. He was an inspiring orator, a just leader, an able adviser, and above all a good-natured, faithful, sincere and pious human being. He treated people equally and in spite of this great honour of being the Messenger of Allah, he always considered himself one among the people. The good qualities of our dear Prophet are endless.

The striking quality of the Prophet’s life that impressed us the most is his austere life. He had a very generous heart and always thought about others. He would give whatever he had as charity every day. Thus he never gave Zakath simply because he never had money for one year from which he could give Zakath. On many occasions he had gone to sleep without food. His room only had the basic requirements and he was averse to any kind of adornments. He did not have at any time more than two sets of clothes. He led a very simple, pious and selfless life. When Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) compared this state with the luxurious living of other rulers and protested tearfully, the Prophet queried, “O Ibn-i-Khattab! Do you not desire that they may have the world and we the hereafter?”

In times of difficulties and hardships, the Prophet’s calm would never waver. His trust in Allah always stood firm. He would go about doing his duties in the most efficient manner. He taught people the various qualities and principles which would make them worthy in the eyes of Allah. He asked people to show compassion towards one another, elderly and the needy and help their neighbours in times of distress. He not only preached but also practised. Every act of his was in accordance with the Islamic principles.

In about 23 years of his Prophethood, with the will of Allah he was able to make such a huge difference in the lives of people. No mean feat this considering the various difficulties and hardships he and his followers faced at every stage in their struggle. After his demise, his loyal and truthful companions carried his mantle forward. It is now left up to us to follow the Prophet’s Sunnah and become good human beings. People, who run behind money, success and power without sparing a thought to the sufferings of other people, should learn a lesson or two from the Prophet.

How can our life be complete and how can we ever be happy when there are several people who are in need. We must follow the Prophet’s example and do whatever we can for the betterment of the poor and needy. Allah has created all of us and He has also given us the wisdom to choose what is right for us. I pray that Allah bestow us with right thinking, good principles and habits. In our mad rush to succeed, we should not forget what Allah expects from us.
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AN OVERVIEW OF THE LEATHER INDUSTRY IN TAMIL NADU

AN OVERVIEW OF THE LEATHER INDUSTRY IN TAMIL NADU

V.M. KHALEELUR RAHMAN


Leather industry in Tamil Nadu is considered to be very ancient and some say it is of more than two centuries old. The art of tanning of hides and skins is prevalent here since time immemorial. Once it was done in primitive tanning methods and passed on with some improvements from generation to generation.

After Independence, the leather industry has made a rapid technical and technological advancement, thanks to the efforts of tanners, technical know-how of the Central Leather Research Institute (CLRI) and well chalked out policies of the governments in the state and at the centre based on the recommendations of the Seetharamiah Committee report. Many people established modern tanneries and started doing high quality finished leather meant for shoes, garments, goods, upholstery etc. Many modern units also came up for shoes, garments and goods. All these show that a tremendous industrial development has taken place within a period of about 30 years. No doubt, our country is very much on the forward march....

AISHTMA:

The All India Skin and Hide Tanners and Merchants Association is a 92 years old apex body and various district and regional associations are affiliated to it. Both the central and state governments have recognised it and consult on all policy matters such as labour, taxation etc. It is also in the service of tanners in importing and supplying tanning materials like wattle extract to them. It is also associated with many national and international trade and industry organisations. It celebrated its platinum jubilee in a grand manner in the year 1994. The present President and Hony. Secretary are Mr. M. Rafeeque Ahmed and Mr. Mohan M. Sreenivas respectively.

TAMIL NADU IN THE FOREFRONT

According to Aishtma, Tamil Nadu is in the forefront in leather with an annual production of more than 1.2 billion sq. ft. of finished leather. It is about 60% share in total finished leather production of our country and 45% share in total export from India. There are about 750 tanneries in Tamil Nadu and the raw material processed per day is 500-1000 tons and annual turnover more than Rs.10,000 crore, number of operational CETPs is 16 catering to 630 tanneries, number of ETPs is 94 and there are more than 56 RO plants in Tamil Nadu. No tannery operates without access to any Effluent Treatment Plant and 100% connectivity to pollution control devices is a speciality of Tamil Nadu.

There are 497 leather products units in Tamil Nadu producing about 59 million pairs of full shoes, 27 million pairs of shoe uppers, 7.1 million pieces of leather garments and 29.5 million pieces of leather goods. The quality of various leathers being produced here is of high standard and comparable with that of any advanced country. Consequently the state of Tamil Nadu once popular for E.I. Tanned hides and skins throughout the world particularly in countries like the U.S.A., the U.K., Italy, West Germany, France, Japan etc. is now popular for leather and leather products in these and many other countries. While Chennai, Ambur, Vaniyambadi, Pernambut, Ranipet, Trichy, Erode and Dindigul are the main centres for leather, Chennai, Ambur and Ranipet are the major hub for leather products such as leather shoes, garments and goods. Our country has earned laurels as a good and reliable supplier of leather and leather products in the world market. Interested persons can contact the following association which is, as said earlier, an apex body of different district and regional associations:


The All India Skin and Hide Tanners and Merchants Association,
“Leather Centre”,
43/53, Raja Muthiah Road, Periamet, Chennai – 600 003 (India)

Telephone: 0091-44-25610636, 25615247 Fax: 0091-44-25615292
E-mail: aishtma@vsnl.com and assn@aishtma.com
Website: http://www.aishtma.com


DINDIGUL, THRICY AND ERODE

Dindigul is still a well known centre as before for E.I. tanned goat and sheep skins as most of the tanners here are addicted to doing only this popular item due to various reasons. There are very few tanners in the chrome tanning and no tanner seems to be producing finished leather here. A reliable and traditional tanner who has inherited this trade from his forefathers told me that the present situation is not conducive for switch over to anything like full chrome, semi chrome or finished leather. The association also does not permit it as pollution is involved. Other problems such as labour and water are also there. The progressive policy of the government has not changed this tanning centre much.

While the leather industry has suffered, textile industry has made a good development here in Dindigul. It is said that there are more than 250 spinning mills here.

Other popular centres are Trichy and Erode. There are many tanneries in Trichy where mostly high standard E.I. tanned goat skins are produced and in the Erode tanneries wet blue cow hides are the main items done. Only very few tanners do some other leather items.

PERNAMBUT

This small town has about 35 tanneries where mostly items like buffalo hides and soul leathers are made for local supplies. Some are also exporting these items. Some shoe factories have also been established here. They are mostly doing job works. Much development is not seen here as perhaps there is nobody to guide them for adopting modern approaches for finance and industrial developments.

CHENNAI

There are quite a large number of tanneries and leather goods, shoe and garment factories in different parts of Chennai mainly at Pallavaram and Madhavaram where different items of leather and leather products are made and supplied to national and international customers. There are so many highly modern units where high quality leather and leather products are made and exported.

AMBUR AND VANIYAMBADI

In Ambur, a well known centre for leather, there are quite a large number of tanneries where E.I. tanned goat and sheep skins, S/C and F/C finished leather etc. are produced. Some of the tanneries are very big and modern with all necessary machinery and infrastructure where high class finished leathers meant for shoes, garments and goods are produced and exported. Importers in different countries have close links with Ambur based tanners and exporters and do big contracts as goat and cow leathers are available in plenty here with international standards. There are very few sheep tanners here. This town has also made a name for its well equipped and well infrastructured modern shoe factories where high standard world class foot wears are made and exported to many countries including the U.S.A, U.K, Italy, Germany, Portugal, Switzerland and Spain.

At the time of writing this two industrialists come to my mind who were instrumental for the industrial development here. If I remember correct while the late Anaikar Abdul Shukoor sahib started doing finished leather silently before the government introduced its progressive policy, the late T. Abdul Wahid sahib was also a pioneer in following the government policy and asking tanners to do it for their better prospects in the industrial arena. The latter had to face even criticism for his well intentioned actions. But now the leather industry realises their importance and their foresight.

Another centre famous for the leather industry is Vaniyambadi. Here again there are quite a large number of tanneries where items such as E.I. tanned goat and sheep skins, S/C and F/C finished leathers are made, locally supplied and exported. There are also innumerable job tanners here. It is the best place for dealing in sheep items. We can say that it is the leather tanning centre with the largest number of tanneries in Tamil Nadu. No other centre has as many tanneries as Vaniyambadi does.

Vaniyambadi is just about 30 minutes drive from Ambur. While there are more tanneries in Vaniyambadi, there are more shoe units in Ambur which are supplying to the best shoe companies abroad. These two neighbouring centres are playing an important role in the development of the leather industry in the country.

RANIPET

Ranipet has a large concentration of tanneries like Ambur, Vaniyambadi and Chennai processing hides and skins from raw to finish. Various descriptions of leather such as lining, upper and suede leathers are made here for supply to national and international customers. There are also some job tanneries here. Besides these, there are many highly sophisticated and modern units where world class shoes, garments and leather goods are made and exported. SIPCOT industrial complex is also here. It is yet another well known place for leather and leather products in the world market.

( Indian Leather, February 2010)
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