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"Rethinking Reform: Sir Syed Ahmed Khan's Lessons for the Current Muslim Experience"

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  October 17 marks the birth anniversary of Sir Syed Ahmed Khan, a prominent intellectual, educationist, and reformer of the 19th century. His groundbreaking efforts to enhance educational opportunities for Muslims, his progressive approach to promoting modern education, and his establishment of institutions such as the Muhammadan Anglo-Oriental College (later known as Aligarh Muslim University) represented a significant shift from the traditional mindset of his era. His legacy continues to shape the intellectual and educational progress of the Muslim community in South Asia. The contributions of Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) to higher education are unmatched, especially in shaping the intellectual and academic landscape of the Muslim community. AMU not only provided access to modern education but also fostered the emergence of an intellectual elite among Muslims, many of whom went on to become leaders, scholars, and professionals across various fields. While some may argue that th
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Rest and Self-Care: The Importance for Mental Health

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  World Mental Health Day being observed every year on 10th October , is dedicated to raising awareness about mental health issues and promoting efforts to support those affected. First established in 1992 by the World Federation for Mental Health, the day aims to spark conversations, reduce stigma, and encourage greater understanding and action around mental health challenges globally. This year’s theme for the World Mental Health day is "Mental Health at Work". This is important; for promoting well-being in the workplace, recognizing that mental health is just as important as physical health on the job. It emphasizes the need for employers and organizations to create supportive environments where employees feel comfortable discussing mental health challenges, seeking help when needed, and managing stress. By prioritizing mental health at work, businesses can improve productivity, reduce burnout, and foster a healthier, more inclusive workplace culture for everyone. Just
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Rediscovering Gandhi from Champaran in my childhood

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  Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi was a transformative figure in India's freedom struggle, despite many critics of his idea. Gandhi was not only a lawyer but also a social reformer, activist, and prolific writer who engaged with the contemporary political and social questions of his time. He was born on 2nd October 1869 in Porbandar, Gujarat, marking the beginning of a life that would leave an enduring mark on the world. My association with Gandhi's story began in my early childhood, as my home district is close to his historic Champaran Satyagraha of 1917. His experiment, where Gandhi took up the cause of indigo farmers, who were suffering under oppressive colonial policies, was the first major act of civil disobedience in India and laid the groundwork for his non-violent resistance. My grandfather often shared stories of Gandhi’s visit to his nearby village. Through his memories, I admired Gandhi's ethics—his commitment to bodily work, cleanliness, truth, and respect for oth
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Rama Mehta Memorial Lecture By Mira Nair

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  Mira Nair’s address at the #RamaMehtaMemorialLecture in Udaipur, which I had the opportunity to attend via Zoom, was a masterclass in both intellectual depth and creative vision. Throughout her lecture, Nair offered a detailed exploration of her film making philosophy, illustrating the careful and thoughtful process behind her selection of subjects for her films. She emphasized that storytelling, whether through cinema or literature, is not merely about narrating events but about deeply understanding and engaging with the complexities of the human experience, culture, and context. Nair argued that without this profound understanding, the authenticity of a narrative is compromised. She underscored the agency of individuals in crafting their own narratives, stressing the necessity of authorship over one's personal or creative story. According to her, allowing others to shape or write one’s story poses the risk of misrepresentation, distortion, or erasure of crucial nuances tha
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International Day of Peace

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  The International Day of Peace, also known as World Peace Day, is observed annually on September 21 as a day devoted to fostering global peace and reducing violence and conflict. Established by the United Nations in 1981, the day was initially intended to coincide with the opening session of the UN General Assembly. The first official celebration took place on September 21, 1982. World Peace Day is marked by calls for a cessation of hostilities, particularly through ceasefires in conflict zones, providing opportunities for humanitarian organizations to deliver aid in areas of need. The day encourages individuals, communities, and nations to engage in actions that promote peace, reconciliation, and non-violence. Over time, the observance has evolved to include broader themes beyond the cessation of warfare, focusing on the promotion of sustainable development, climate action, human rights, and social justice, all of which are considered essential to achieving lasting peace. Ea
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Nepal’s Constitution Day - For celebration & to introspect

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  On September 19, Nepal commemorates Constitution Day with various programs held domestically and internationally. This day sees active participation from federal, provincial, and local governments, political parties and civil society. These diverse groups come together to celebrate and reflect on the significance of the Constitution, which was officially promulgated on September 20, 2015. Nepal's constitution was the culmination of over seven decades of political struggle, which included a ten-year People's War and widespread civil mobilization. The document, consisting of 35 parts, 308 articles, and 9 schedules, is a milestone in the nation's political evolution. It enshrines key principles such as federalism, inclusive democracy, proportional representation, and secularism, aiming to establish a prosperous nation founded on democratic values and socialism. Constitution Day is celebrated annually as both Constitution Day and National Day, reaffirming Nepal's co
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