Rising Beyond The Ceiling

2024 RBTC 100 Karnataka 

Inviting Nominations

We  are inviting nominations for our  Rising Beyond The Ceiling 2024 List of Inspiring Muslim Women from the State of Karnataka.  For more details you can reach out to our RBTC Karnataka State Coordinator, Ms. Ayesha Masood . Nominations can be sent in any of our various professional categories with   a brief 250 word profiles and photo to our Coordinator on her email   ayeshamasood@oasisintschool.org

The Rising Beyond The Ceiling (RBTC) professional  categories include the following -[1]  Shattering stereotypes in Uniform,  [2] Achieving Academic Excellence [3] Administering Quality Education [4] Inspirations from Politics [5] Leadership in Administration [6] Professionals in Science and Medicine [7] Demonstrating Legal Acumen [8] Creative Contributors to the Arts [9] Taking Entrepreneurship Forward [10]  Making an Impact through Media [11] Change Makers in Social Development [12] Impassioned Authors and Poets [13] Shining in Sports  [14] Strides in Corporate Sector [15] Under 30 Youth Achievers. 

For more information on our 2022 RBTC 100 list of Inspiring Muslim Women from Karnataka check out our link:

 https://www.inspiringindianmuslimwomen.org/karnataka-rbtc-100 

Our publication is also available on Amazon at : https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0BHV9JCDB

For your free gift copy of the RBTC 100 Karnataka E-book write to risingbeyondtheceiling@gmail.com 

AYESHA MASOOD State Coordinator, RBTC Karnataka.  Co-founder and Trustee of Oasis International School Bengaluru. Click side arrow for profiles details. 

Ayesha Masood is the co-founder and Trustee of Oasis International School Bengaluru. She is a graduate from Mount Carmel College Bengaluru (Integrated Home Science). In addition to English, Hindi, Kannada, Ayesha is also proficient in Urdu and to some extent in Arabic. One day she took her niece for admission to a school and was told to “take your children to your own institutions. If you don’t have a good enough school, start one!” This was what triggered her to think about starting a path-breaking school, which would be inclusive and needs-blind. Ayesha started with a Montessori for a single digit number of children in the green room of one public building. The IGCSE curriculum was chosen and the school kept growing and moved from one house-turned-school to another, until they were spread across three such buildings and then it was time. Her seed funding for building and campus came from the students giving a returnable loan! Of course, there were other fund raiser activities too. Ayesha initiated the development of an Educational Organization Management System (EOMS] to earn the ISO 21000 certification for the school. Now, about 24 years down the line, the school is a Cambridge accredited co-educational Institution with nearly 1000 students & a cupboard overflowing with Trophies and Prize cups. Ayesha also has more than 25 years experience with NGO’s, helping uplift and develop children through education, vocational training and healthcare. 
You can reach out to Ayesha on his email ID at ayeshamasood@oasisintschool.org
References/Sources
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ayesha-masood-aba69544/?originalSubdomain=in http://www.oasisintschool.net/

ZOYA NAYARA FATEHALLY  Leadership Team Member, RBTC Karnataka. Former Squad group Leader/Technical Manager with Nokia Systems. Bengaluru. 

Zoya Nayara Fatehally has worked since 2008 with Nokia Systems and Networks (formerly Alcatel Lucent India Ltd) at Bengaluru.  She served as a Squad group Leader/Technical Manager. Earlier Zoya has worked at the Centre for Development of Telematics starting 1985, contributing to the telecom revolution of India – active member of the  engineering  team the PBX, RAX, MAX – not only design, test and field support but also taking the equipment to external laboratories for certifications. In 2000, she joined Velankini Information systems as the Quality and Product manager. Took the company from ad-hoc to ISO 9001 certified in record time.  Next, Zoya became a part of the Indigenous hand-held computer team at  Picopeta Simputers Pvt. Ltd. Successfully productised the Simputer in her role was the technical liaison between the tiny Academics’ led company and the India giant Bharat Electronics Ltd. Following this, was Indian start-up – MobiApps Pvt. Ltd., developing tracking products. 
Born in 1960, Zoya completed her schooling and joined Aligarh Muslim University as an Engineering student. Completed Bachelor’s and Masters in Engineering from the Zakir Hussain College of Engineering and Technology of AMU. Zoya is also PMP (Project Management Professional) certified.   Zoya developed a deep interest in horse riding. At age 10, she joined the AMU Riding club and continued to be an enthusiastic and able horse rider , winning a National Tent Pegging prize and eventually, after being champion and Runners Up in the open competition at the club, went on to be the first (& perhaps only) woman captain of AMU Riding Club.
Links/References

AIMAN ANSARI  Analyst, RBTC Karnataka [ profile to be added] 

Add updated profile

Nominations for 2024 RBTC 100 Karnataka (in alphabetical order)

RBTC Karnataka Nominee, AMREEN. Hammer Throw National Champion. Mangalore. Click side arrow for profile details. 

Amreen is a National Level Athlete (Hammer Throw). Amreen was born in Mudbidri, Mangalore. She went to the Higher primary Jatana School, Jain High school and Jain Pre-University College. She has a B.Com from Shri Dhavala College, Mudbidri. 
Amreen cheerfully recalls how destiny took her towards sports. She had just finished High school and with home food and not much activity had become a plump youngster. During this time, the Netball team needed players and some friends approached her. Her parents looked at this as an opportunity to become fit and get some outdoor time. One look at her and the Netball coach rejected her, advising her to go meet another coach. This was her lucky moment. The Fitness coach suggested that she fetch a hammer and throw it as far as possible. Her effort gave the coach confidence that she had potential. Both the coaches Mr. Mohd. Harris and Mr Naveen worked with her so consistently and with such dedication that in the first year, Amreen qualified for the Nationals. She participated in Kerala and this was the beginning of her sports career. These coaches remain her mentors, sponsors and father figures. Her gratitude for them is immense and forever. Her family have been supportive and encouraging despite pressures from the community. Her good friend remarked about her action during the hammer throw with ridicule, and then when she won medals and prizes the same friend came around and appreciated her and their friendship continued. 
As a graduate with National level sports records, Amreen got a Central Government Income Tax Department position in Mangalore city. She balances her sports and means of livelihood well. She cleared one promotion qualifying examination and is preparing for the next one simultaneously preparing for the State level Senior Athletes meet (Karnataka).




RBTC Karnataka Nominee, ASMA BANU. Seven times gold medalist. Bengaluru. Click side arrow for profile details. 

Asma Banu is the daughter of late Abdul Waheed retired Head master and mathematics teacher. She was born and bought up in Mulbagal Kolar district where her schooling and PU studies were done. Right from her childhoods he was passionate about science and mathematics subjects, knowing the physical phenomenon occurring in our surroundings and universe made her more curious about the subject. Her parents and teachers have been her strongest support and inspired her in every aspect.
Asma graduated from Government science college (Nrupatunga University) her combination of PME (Physics, mathematics, electronics) in the course led me a strong base for her higher studies. She pursued "Master's in Physics" from the Department of Physics, Jnana Bharathi campus Bangalore University. During the course, she had an opportunity to work in a project entitled "Synthesis and characterization of Aluminium doped tin oxide thin films" based on nano opto-electronics concept, this influenced her to go through the research program.
In addition, working in projects, attending workshops and visiting laboratories motivated her more towards research. Since then, every year has proven to be professionally more rewarding than its precedent. Recently on 17th of October 2023 Bangalore university 58th annual convocation was held and Asma was awarded with 7 gold medals and rank 1 for her performance in M.Sc. Physics. It was an immense honour to receive the award from Honourable Governor of Karnataka "Thawar Chand Gehlot" and in the presence of education minister and all other delegates. As of late 2023 she is a pursuing her PhD from department of physics Bangalore university Jnana Bharathi campus, under the guidance of Dr Basavaraj Angadi sir. Focusing on the subject of "nanotechnology and material science".


RBTC Karnataka Nominee, ASMA M. HOMBAL. Entreprenuer Farmer. Badami, Bagalkot, Karnataka. Click side arrow for profile details. 


Asma M. Hombal is a Bachelor degree holder from Chalachgudda village from Badami, Bagalkot district.  Unlike the other graduates, after completing her graduation, Asma turned towards agriculture.  Her family was cultivating betelvine since ages. Asma initially added banana and coconut to the farm diversity after studying the local market.  Betelvine is one of the most important commercial crops of Karnataka. Once planted, plants will yield quality leaves for more than 30 years, with proper care. On an average, each plant bears around 18000 leaves in one year out of which, around 6000 leaves can be harvested per annum. She is cultivating betelvine in 3 acres of land earning profit of 36,000 per month. The other major crop is banana. Two acres of cultivation fetches a profit of Rs 50,000. G9 and Rajapuri banana varieties are cultivated. The yield of Rajapuri banana is less but it fetches higher price, and G9 yields more.  In one acre, she is cultivating vegetable. After growing for certain period, the vegetable plots are auctioned. In one acre of land, she grows cowpea earning around Rs. 15,000 profit per season and providing biomass to soil and fodder to animals. She has 200 coconut plants along the bunds earning a profit of Rs 50,000/month. Milea dubia, drumstick, neem trees are the long-term investments for future income. Live fencing secures crops and also act as source of fodder. Guava, curry leaf and lemon plants serve the dual purpose of home consumption and additional income.Livestock unit ensures manure requirement, meets family nutrition and regular income of Rs 30,000 per month. Her joint family of six members works together, thus saving cost on labour. Without middlemen, direct marketing of produce has given them better price. 
Asma is in continuous touch with ICAR-Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Bagalkot and Horticulture Department officials for getting guidance from time to time. She feels working jointly, judicious use of water, studying the market and planning accordingly and direct marketing are the secrets of success in agriculture. Her lawyer husband supports in procurement of inputs. They have one borewell to support the entire 10-acre farm.
References:https://vikaspedia.in/agriculture/women-and-agriculture/inspiring-stories-of-progressive-women-farmers/a-successful-betel-vine-cultivator


RBTC Karnataka Nominee, AATHIKA IFTHIKHAR. Chartered Accountant. Click side arrow for profile details. 

Aathika Ifthikhar pursued her C.A under the guidance and encouragement of her father, Late. Ismail Sulaiman, who was a Chartered Accountant practising in Chennai. She then completed her articleship training under his firm ‘Ismail & Co.’ Unfortunately, before she could attempt her C. A final examination, Mr. Ismail Sulaiman passed away, in early 1989. This, whilst she was expecting. Later that year she attempted her examinations and passed them in her first attempt. She took the onus of reviving Ismail & Co. on herself - Carrying her maiden name in the name of the firm and carrying on the legacy. 
Among many students under her guidance, she has also been a role model for her son to act in her footsteps qualify as a Chartered Accountant, who currently works as a Senior Manager with Pricewaterhouse Coopers. She is a fellow member of the ICAI (Institute of Chartered Accountants of India) and presently carries 35 years of professional experience, practising in Bangalore. She excels in & has a vast knowledge of Finance, Accounts, Taxation, Project Planning and Statutory Auditing, including Bank Audits. She advises clients on taxation/legal matters, company formation and associated secretarial services. Also, gives expert advice on compliance requirements and is an advisor to her clients on their financial health.
She caters to a vast clientele, however being one of the very few Lady C.A’s present, her clientele includes a lot of women who feel comfortable discussing their financial health and seeking her counsel. Social service comes naturally to her and through her years of professional relationship building has lent a helping hand to those in need of medical and educational support.  She follows to date her school motto “Agi quod agis” (Do well in all that you do). Aathika is now a Grandmother of three little girls and has found in them her favourite passtime.

RBTC Karnataka Nominee, AYESHA KHANUM, Chairperson Karnataka Media Academy, Bengaluru. Click side arrow for profile details. 

 Ayesha Khanum, a seasoned broadcast journalist and mass media expert, has been named the first female chairperson of the Karnataka Media Academy. With an illustrious 26-year career, Ayesha has held pivotal roles, including Chief Correspondent-South at Doordarshan’s 24x7 National News Channel (DD News), where she excelled in government communication and live event coverage. Her previous positions include Regional News Correspondent at Star News, Principal Correspondent at Aaj Tak, and Reporter at The Asian Age. 
Ayesha’s extensive career includes significant coverage of critical events such as the Sri Lankan conflict, India’s moon missions, and major political developments across 11 Indian states. She has reported from international events like the G20 Summit and the BRICS summit and accompanied Prime Minister Narendra Modi on official visits abroad. Her fearless reporting includes coverage of the Telangana agitation and post-war Sri Lanka, notably as part of the first Indian team to visit the LTTE headquarters. Her achievements are recognised by prestigious awards, including the Indira Gandhi Award and the Karnataka Media Academy Award for her contributions to journalism. Additionally, she has received the Tippu Sultan Award and the Best Reporter of the Year award from the Bangalore Press Club. 
Ayesha’s professional growth includes training with BBC and CNN, and she has been an influential voice as Secretary of the Press Club of Bangalore, a Nominated Member of the Karnataka Media Academy, and on the Boards of Studies at Bangalore University and CMR University. Ayesha holds a post-graduation in Mass Communication and a Bachelor of Science from Bangalore University, reflecting her deep media expertise and passion for travel, writing, poetry, and photography. Her new role as chairperson marks a significant milestone in her distinguished career.
References https://www.linkedin.com/in/ayesha-khanum-61ab4567/?originalSubdomain=in https://www.deccanherald.com/india/karnataka/ayesha-khanum-to-head-k-taka-media-academy-3100767 https://youtu.be/EzRCql83cqk?si=LcRm47g3n9Aq22IF


RBTC Karnataka Nominee, HALEEMA FIRDOUS, Urdu Scholar & Academic, Gulbarga, Karnataka. Click side arrow for profile details. 

 Professor Haleema Firdous, is a celebrated Urdu writer and academic. Her educational journey began at GGHS Gulbarga, followed by a B.A. from V.G. Women’s College, Gulbarga, and an M.A. and Ph.D. from Mysore University. Motivated by a deep love for Urdu literature, Prof. Firdous embarked on a teaching career in 1976 after being recruited by K.P.S.C. She faced the challenge of promoting Urdu in a predominantly non-Urdu speaking environment but overcame this by introducing engaging initiatives like quiz competitions and literary gatherings.
One of her career highlights was organizing a seminar on the preservation of the Urdu language at RC College of Commerce, where she served as the Secretary of the Language Club. As the Principal of Shantinagar First Grade College, she efficiently established a library and academic infrastructure despite limited resources.
Prof. Firdous, who was born on July 25, 1952, in Shakarnagar, Nizamabad, is the author of seven acclaimed books, including "Mashaallah" (1986), "Baher Kaif" (2002), and "Alfaz ki Duniya" (2008). Her work has earned her numerous awards, including four Karnataka Urdu Academy Awards, for "Baher Kaif" (2003), "Alfaz ki Duniya" (2008), and "ARJ" (2018). Additionally, she received the Shams Kalkattavi Award from the West Bengal Urdu Academy and the Bihar Urdu Academy Award for "ARJ" in 2018.
As the Founder President of Anjuman-e-Khush Dilan and Vice President of Mahfil-e-Nisa, Prof. Firdous continues to make significant contributions to Urdu literature.
References https://www.rekhta.org/authors/halima-firdaus/all https://www.facebook.com/share/p/v5LF9eL1H8L3zFd8/?mibextid=oFDknk https://www.karnatakaurduacademy.com

RBTC Karnataka Nominee, HANIYA HANEEF, Commercial Pilot, Mangalore. Karnataka. Click side arrow for profile details. 

 Captain Haniya Haneef Born on 2nd June 2001 in Kundapura Karnataka. Haniya did her initial schooling at Indian High School UAE, moved to India and completed 10th from Lourdes Central School and then completed 12th from Mahesh PU College Mangalore. Her passion for flying grew over the years of growing up in the UAE, air travel was the most exciting part of the entire trip for Haniya. Passion kept growing over the years, and her parents supported her in achieving her dream. Coming from a small Muslim Community it was a tough decision for her parents to stand against all odds and support her. She’s grateful to her parents for being there for her and helping her achieve her dream
After 12th she joined Orient Flights Aviation Academy Mysore for commercial pilot training.  Among the many challenges faced by her CoVid and occasional extreme bad weather stand out as the major ones. These were directly obstructing her completion of practical training and flying. On completion of 200 hours of flying, after 3 years of training, Haniya obtained a commercial pilot license in 2024. She travelled to the UAE for a type rating on the Airbus a320. Presently Haniya is working for Indigo Airlines, a reputed commercial airline, in India. Within a short time, she has been felicitated by various groups and organizations including Muslim Central Committee. 
References: https://www.udayavani.com/english-news/mangaluru-21-year-old-hania-hanif-earns-pilots-wings https://youtu.be/S1YP0Pnc1wk?si=KBdd23krRug9Iz_X https://thehindustangazette.com/latest-news/captain-hania-haneef-made-her-dream-of-becoming-a-pilot-come-true-13936


RBTC Karnataka Nominee, HUDA JAFFER, Director SELCO, Sustainable Energy Solution Provider. Bengaluru. Click side arrow for profile details. 

Huda Jaffer is a Designer with a keen interest in user-centric design, specifically in the sustainability and developmental area. She has a Bachelor’s in Design from Srishti School of Art, Design and Technology, Bangalore and a Master’s of Science in Engineering and Business (Integrated Design and Management) from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge. She is one of the key contributors at the SELCO Foundation, now a pioneer in the field of building Ecosystem for sustainable energy access for the poor 
As part of a project on vegetable cart for street vendors, Huda spent three weeks selling vegetables and fruits with her. This specific project reinforced her conviction in the bottom-up approach and the importance of understanding the users. This also led to one of her designs, in the study lights for children living in climate vulnerable areas and street vending carts with Self Employed Women’s Association (SEWA) in Gujarat. Huda received a full scholarship from Good Energies Foundation for her Masters in 2016. Her thesis entitled “Lifecycle Analysis of Solar Panels in Development Countries” was targeted towards impact investors and philanthropists who invest in rural electrification programs for remote areas, to know more about the social costs and implications beyond the technical, environmental and financial aspects.
Huda has authored and coauthored numerous articles and book chapters. She is on the board of Social Enterprise World Forum (SEWF), Sahas (an Indian Not-for-Profit for Circular Economy) and Atal Incubation Center-SELCO (A Centre for North-East Indian climate innovators and entrepreneurs), Co-Chair for the Start-up20 Sustainability Task-force by Niti Aayog, India’s engagement group as the presidency for advising the G 20 agenda on building an inclusive start-up ecosystem.  Currently, Huda anchors a team of 220 individuals primarily working across technology innovation and scaling programs.  She hopes to continue to integrate climate resilient technologies within local and regional ecosystems in challenging terrains across India and Sub-Saharan Africa. 
References:
  • https://www.linkedin.com/in/huda-jaffer-11b002b9?originalSubdomain=in
  • https://idm.mit.edu/student/huda-jaffer/
  • https://idronline.org/contributor/huda-jaffer/
  • https://idronline.org/article/climate-emergency/how-decentralised-solar-energy-can-boost-public-healthcare/
  • https://www.architectmagazine.com/awards/r-d-awards/award-re-lamp-lighting-system_o
  • https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/978-1-80071-845-620231005/full/html?skipTracking=true
  • https://www.researchgate.net/publication/356281734_Sustainable_energy_management_in_the_health_sector

RBTC Karnataka Nominee, KAUSER KHAN, Corporate Trainer. Founder Protocol Institute, Bengaluru. Click side arrow for profile details. 

Kauser Khan, a distinguished figure in the field of corporate training.  From an early age,  Mrs. Khan recognized the critical role of self-confidence in personal and professional success. Having experienced a stammer during her childhood, she deeply understood how a lack of confidence could impact individuals. This personal challenge drove her to develop strategies for building self-assurance and to help others trust in their own potential. Her training offers customized programs focusing on appearance, behavior, and communication to enhance professional and executive presence. These high-impact programs have been highly valued and made mandatory in organizations such as Robert Bosch, Accenture, Mercedes Benz, SAP India, IFB, Syngene, and Biocon International, among others Mrs. Khan’s commitment to enhancing individual and corporate growth through her training programs reflects her deep dedication to empowering others. Her achievements underscore her impact on the field and her role as a leader in fostering self-confidence and professional development.
Her contributions to corporate training and personal development have been widely acknowledged. She is a prolific columnist with features in Deccan Herald, Outlook Magazine, Times of India, Deccan Chronicles, DNA Magazine, Women Planet, and Deccan Herald. Some of her recognitions include the following:  National Award for Excellence in Corporate Training, presented by the Hon’ble Ministry of Education, 2017 Recognized as an "Influential Business Leader" at the GTF Women Excellence Summit, 2022 Featured in FORBES India as an "Inspirational Woman Entrepreneur," 2021 Awarded the National Excellence Award for India’s Best Corporate Coach and Image Stylist, 2019 Honored with the India-International Achievers’ Award for Customer Satisfaction, 2017 Recipient of the Global Achievers Awards in the Best Entrepreneur Category, 2017 Acknowledged with the International Rotary Award for Vocational Training, 2017 Awarded the TATA Startup Awards, 2010 Received Phenomenal Learning Experience (PLE) recognition from Accenture
Kauser is married to Mr. Jameel Ahmed Khan and has two sons: Mr. Omar Ahmed Khan, an accomplished entrepreneur, and Mr. Usman Ahmed Khan, who has embraced his mother's legacy by joining her institute, Protocol, as a celebrated trainer.
References: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kauser-khan-82350315/ https://www.forbesindia.com/article/brand-connect/kauser-khan-an-inspirational-woman-entrepreneur-in-india/65111/1 https://hr.siliconindia.com/vendor/protocol-building-your-confidence-cid-2900.html https://protocol.org.in/about-us/

RBTC Karnataka Nominee MAHAJABEEN MADRAKAR, Head of the Department of Dermatology, SR Patil Medical College and Founder of NGO Madarkar. Click side arrow for profile details. 

 Dr. Mahajabeen Madarkar was born into a middle-class family in Rampur near Sindagi taluk, a small town situated in the Bijapur district of Karnataka in the year 1987. Her father served in government, while her mother dedicated herself to homemaking. At the age of three, Mahajabeen contracted Polio, resulting in the loss of mobility in her lower body. Thanks to timely assistance under the Sarvashikshana Abhiyan by the government, Mahajabeen was able to commence her education at the age of six.
The teachers were caring and she turned out to be a good learner. Remarkably, until the seventh grade, Mahajabeen navigated her academic journey without the aid of crutches or a wheelchair.  From class 8 to 10, the journey to D N Durbar School was about 15 kilometers long and needed a bus that was not very regular. Despite these challenges, Mahajabeen pursued self-directed homeschooling and emerged as the top performer in her class 10 Board examinations, achieving an impressive aggregate score of 92%. 
Her desire to study science was met with obstacles – the local PU College refused her admission due to “physical disability”. Mahajabeen joined the Karnataka Institute of Medical Sciences (Hubli). Soon after the 1st year, she underwent surgery for her legs making her miss 3 months of college. Rather than drop a year, Mahajabeen wrote the exams taking morning 3rd year and afternoon 2nd year papers, and completed MBBS in the required duration with an aggregate first class.
She went on to get through the PG CET and joined the Father Muller Medical College, Mangalore. She completed her MD (Dermatology). Dr. Mahajabeen has served as Assistant Professor in the BVV Sangha's HSK Medical College and Hospital. Currently, she is Head of the Department of Dermatology in the SR Patil Medical College. She also practices at the Madarkar Hospital.
She also oversees an NGO named Madarkar, dedicated to providing free consultations and, wherever feasible, treatment to individuals with physical disabilities. She is expanding the NGO's mission to encompass care for the elderly. Primarily funded through her resources, the Trust aims to alleviate the hardships experienced by individuals, inspired by her personal journey and her family's challengesDr. Mahajabeen has received several awards including the Karnataka State Achiever's Award in 2014 from the Government of Karnataka, in recognition of her outstanding contributions to the field of dermatology. Bharari Award from the renowned NGO for disabled individuals, "Helpers of Handicapped," located in Maharashtra.

RBTC Karnataka Nominee MUNIRA AKHTAR,. Educationist. Founder Montessorians United, Bengaluru (Click side arrow for profile details. 

Munira Akhtar's belief in Montessori education led her to earn a Diploma in Early Childhood Special Education (1997-98) while working as a Faculty Assistant at The Indian Montessori Training Centre (IMTC). Two years later, she completed a Diploma in Inclusive Education at KPAMRC, Bangalore, and served as an Advisory Board Member at IMTC for two years.
In 2000, Munira became Principal at Little Feat Montessori House of Children, where she worked for 13 years. She found that traditional Montessori techniques sometimes needed adaptation to meet all children's needs. By modifying Montessori materials, she achieved excellent results for specific students, demonstrating her dedication to addressing diverse learning needs.
In 2014, Munira founded Montessorians United (MU), a network of Montessori education experts aimed at democratizing quality education, especially in tier 2 and 3 cities in India and beyond. MU’s mission includes raising awareness of Montessori education and empowering young women by helping them gain employment in India and abroad.
Munira’s work has significantly impacted the establishment of Montessori Schools, including over 12 in Kerala and Karnataka. Her commitment to creating nurturing learning environments tailored to each child's needs is evident. Munira sums up her mission: “My strength lies in my passion for early childhood education and creating environments where each child can thrive. My goal is to spread awareness about early childhood education and support children in their formative years.”
References https://www.linkedin.com/in/munira-akhtar-430b6928?originalSubdomain=in https://youtube.com/@montessoriansunited4841?si=feb8QvJ5bVBGcho4\ https://www.facebook.com/share/sGDHb72X1TA286Wr/?mibextid=qi2Omg https://montessoriansunited.blogspot.com\ 

RBTC Karnataka Nominee, NAFEESA TASLI, President Peruvayi  Gram Panchayat Dakshina Karnataka. Click side arrow for profile details. 

Nafeesa Tasli, a resident of Peruvayi village in Vitla, Karnataka, at the age of thirty one only actively served as a member of the gram panchayat. During a categorical election, she was elected as the Vice President and was subsequently entrusted with the responsibility of overseeing the Swacha Vahini vehicle, aimed at promoting cleanliness and sanitation initiatives within the community. There was no one ready to drive that vehicle because it was a garbage collection vehicle. Having prior experience in driving, she decided to take it up herself. She got some training on how to drive that vehicle and started to collect garbage. Someone clicked her picture and it went viral, attracting both negative criticisms and some positive encouragement. Despite the mixed reactions, she persevered in her garbage collection efforts without receiving any assistance from others.
Nafeesa has a supportive family. Her husband works abroad and she has 3 children aged 11, 6 and 3 months old child. Due to her dedication to work, she was felicitated by then chief Minister Basavaraja Bommai during the World Youth Skills Day program.She later became president of the gram panchayat and started organizing camps as she wanted to serve and work for society. She has been facilitated and honored by Al Amin committee UAE.
References

RBTC Karnataka Nominee, NAHEED ATAULLA,  Independent Journalist. Bengaluru. Click side arrow for profile details. 

Naheed Ataulla is a journalist based in Bengaluru. A post-graduate in Mass Communication from Bangalore University, Naheed started her career by interning at the `Southern Speaker', the first English Eveninger, published by the Salar Group. She later worked for a few years the Daily Salar.  As English language was her strength, she joined The Times of India, Bengaluru, and rose from the ranks of a Reporter to being the Political Editor of the organisation until she superannuated in 2019. Presently, Naheed is an independent journalist contributing to leading English news portals such as The News Minute, The Quint, the National Herald, Money Control and is also the Editorial Advisor to the Salar Group of Publications.
Reporting on political developments is her forte, which continues till now.  Naheed is a recipient of the Karnataka Rajyotsava award in 2011, besides awards from the Karnataka Media Academy in 2001 and the Press Club of Bangalore in 2016Naheed credits her success in the field to her parents who backed her to the hilt. Her father M.A. Ataulla, who was the first industrial Psychologist in South India and mother, a teacher, believed that education gives economic independence and confidence to a woman.
Naheed had not planned to make journalism her career and wanted to follow in her father's footsteps by taking up Psychology after graduation.  But when she topped in the entrance test for the Mass Communications course, she opted to continue there. Her interest in keeping up to date with current affairs made her opt for a Reporter's career. Over a period of time, she honed her skills in the field to become a political journalist, which she continues to do till this day.
References:
  • https://www.linkedin.com/in/naheed-ataulla-0912b0190/
  • https://www.thenewsminute.com/author-articles/Naheed--Ataulla
  • https://www.thequint.com/author/1542994/naheed-ataulla
  • https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/author/1631928/naheed-ataulla

RBTC Karnataka Nominee, NISHA ABDULLAH, Artistic Director of Qabila and Founder Member of OffStream, Creative Contributors to Art. Bengaluru. Click side arrow for profile details. 

Born on the border of Pondicherry and Kerala, Nisha Abdullah was an infant when her family moved to Muscat. She had her early schooling there. Her childhood was comfortable and she had not quite made the connection between hard work and accomplishment. It was when Nisha moved to Kerala for Higher schooling, that she realized the value of efforts and went on to top her class 12 (PUC II) at the MES college Calicut in 2001.  During this time in an all-girls convent, Nisha became aware of restrictions, boundaries and her discomfort at having her wings clipped. She also made many strong friendships and lifetime bonds.
After a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management from St. Agnes College Manipal, Nisha was campus recruited to a corporate firm in Bangalore. Her early life working in the corporate world showed her how she could be good at her job, make money & yet long for something else.  She was interested in Theatre and found the Bangalore Theatre community both welcoming and supportive. After dabbling as a novice, doing workshops, being mentored by masters of the field and trying her hand at various aspects of Theatre, Nisha found her niche as a performance story teller, playwright, and Artistic Director of Qabila, a theatre collective she founded in 2018. 
With a very strong community connect, she is often found working to communicate issues of marginalized groups. She typically articulates the lesser-known point of view on matters of socio-political importance. She creates work that is rooted in the interplay of power-gaze-identity-belonging. Her work is both feminist and political. Her recent production “how long is February? a fantasy in three parts” has been showcased in Edinburgh Fringe festival 2023, the largest arts festival in the world.  Her 2nd venture “Offstream” created in 2020, supports artists across arts practices who work with an anti-caste imagination. The collective works to build community about anti caste advocacy.Today Nisha is a part of active Theatre as well as Academia – teaching at both schools and universities of repute. She also supports community needs by enabling learning spaces for youth from marginalised communities, and also by fundraising to meet gaps in educational needs. 
References
  • https://www.linkedin.com/in/nisha-abdulla-782a1b1/?originalSubdomain=in
  • https://www.instagram.com/livesinthoughtbubbles/
  • https://qabila.in/
  • https://www.instagram.com/offstreamfishes/
  • https://www.goethe.de/ins/in/en/sta/ban/ueb/rex/exr/nis.html
  • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bMb0xfDie1c&ab_channel=DramaSchoolMumbai

RBTC Karnataka Nominee, SHENAZ KHALEELI. Co-Founder, CEO & Technical Director, PharmaLeaf India Pvt Ltd, . Click side arrow for profile details. 

Shenaz Khaleeli was born into a conservative business family from Gujrat. She went to St. Joseph High School. Bandra Mumbai (1970-1980).  The typical girl child of her family would stay home, study locally, and then get married, the boys would study and pursue career paths of their choice. They would drive cars and even leave the city or country if needed. Shenaz was not accepting of this gender bias. It was always Shenaz’s dream to be a part of the Healthcare industry. She tried the MBBS path, however constraint of having to study in her home city, made her explore other options. She enrolled in C.U Shah College of Pharmacy (Mumbai) which was acceptable to her family, being an all-girls college for her Bachelors in Pharmacy (1983-1986). Later she completed her Masters in Pharmaceutics from Kundanani College of Pharmacy (Mumbai) (1993-1995) and PhD in Pharmacology from Al Ameen College of Pharmacy (Bangalore) (1999-2007), alongside working in the Pharma industry in Mumbai and Bangalore.  Almost by chance, she secured her first job as “Scientific Manager” (1988-1994) at Themis Chemicals (now Pharmaceuticals). This was the beginning of a long career over 3 decades in the Pharma Industry with Indian, Multinational & Lifesciences Companies, including Astra Zeneca etc.
The exciting teenage memory of earning from her confectionery eventually caught up with her. She stepped out as an independent entrepreneur in the niche space of “Biopharmaceutical Regulatory Affairs and Quality Compliance”. The company PharmaLeaf India Pvt Ltd and its CSR initiative “Zun Foundation” was founded in 2006. Her husband, from a business background came to support her as Co-Founder & COO.
Shenaz is passionate about training NexGen as a “Global Regulatory Practitioner (GRP)”. She collaborates with Academia as the industry guide to over 50 MPharm and even a few PhD students. She is the recipient of several awards including the  Business Women of the Year from PharmaLeader, under the Ministry of commerce and Pharmexcil for ongoing contribution in International Regulatory Affairs (6th. Annual Awards 2012) and the *Woman Entrepreneur Award from Maeshaat, a platform focusing on minorities business & economy (2013)
References



RBTC Karnataka Nominee, SHAMEEM SURAYYA. Educational Administrator & Writer. Kalaburgi, Karnataka. Click side arrow for profile details. 

Dr. Shameem Surayya is an educational administrator and writer from Kalaburgi (formerly Gulbarga), North Karnataka, India. Born on December 5, 1949, she is the daughter of Mohammed Sulaiman Khateeb, a Deccani poet, and Rashida Begum.  Shameem completed her schooling at Bi Bi Raza Girls High School, Gulbarga, before pursuing higher education in Hyderabad. She graduated with a B.A. from University College for Women, Hyderabad, in 1968 and later earned her B.Ed. and M.A. in Urdu from Karnataka University Dharwad. In 1993, she obtained a Ph.D. in Urdu from Gulbarga University. 
Shameem began her career as a high school teacher at Khaja Education Society, Gulbarga, in 1970. Her dedication to teaching led to her appointment as the principal of Bi Bi Raza Degree College for Women, Gulbarga. This position provided her with opportunities to serve in various capacities, including as a member of the Academic Council, Senate, Syndicate, and Board of Studies at universities such as Karnataka University Dharwad, Gulbarga University, and Akka Mahdevi University for Women, Vijayapura. 
During Shameem’s almost thirty years of service as the first principal of the college, she worked hard to persuade poor, uneducated, and conservative families to send their daughters for college education. With the support of the college management and the leadership of KBN Society’s president, Hazrath Sayyed Shah Mohammad Mohammadul Hussaini (RA), she introduced modern courses like computer science and biotechnology and established a Distance Study Center of Maulana Azad National Urdu University, Hyderabad, at the college. The center offered both undergraduate and postgraduate courses


RBTC Karnataka Nominee, SHAREEFA K., Kannada Poetess.  Bengaluru. Click side arrow for profile details. 

K. Shareefa was born and brought up in Gulbarga. They were 5 sisters and 2 brothers in an Urdu-speaking and traditional neighborhood.  Shareefa was attracted to Kannada mainly because of a childhood Kannada-speaking friend. Early in school life,she was faced with patriarchy that she resented. At class 7, she was told by her father that this was the end of her education because there is neither tradition nor need of educating daughters more than this.  Shareefa did not accept this.  
She used the home sewing machine to stitch clothes and earn enough to pay her fees for class 8 and went back to school after a year’s break. Soon after High School she enrolled at the typing institute and fast tracked to become a qualified typist. She went on to find herself a job at the Agriculture Produce Marketing Committee(APMC) office via the Employment exchange. She managed the job while being a student of PUC 1st year. She recalls her routine of early morning typing and then 3 periods of college and back to APMC typing. Finishing her day with some work at the SFI office. She started writing her mind quite early and continually got involved with issues involving injustice and discrimination. One occasion she recalls traveling from Gulbarga to Bijapur to fight for a woman who had been attacked for watching a movie in the Cinema Hall.  Shareefa had been deeply influenced by Akka Mahadevi’s writings on breaking the shackles of patriarchy and other set boundaries. This is seen in her life and writings.
She has served on selection committees for books, provided consultancy for the Karnataka Writers Association and been member of both Urdu and Kannada Sahitya Academy at different times in her long association with literature. She has been recognized by the literary communities of Nallur, Tumkur and by the state winning different awards and honors. The awards range from her specific work “Burqua Paradise” to life time achievement awards for her contribution to Kannada Literature. K. Shareefa is an active Kannada Poetess and writer participating in public events and promoting new thought and sensitivity through her works. She lives with her family in Bangalore.
Awards: Attimbe Literary Award Mallur Prasad Award – for lifetime Service Anka Award for Service to Literature Siddalinga Pattana Honoree Award for Lifetime Service by Sahitya Academy Veeche Prasanna Award Dr. Geeta Desai Award bykarntaka Literary Association


RBTC Karnataka Nominee, SOHA SADIQ, International Tennis. Bengaluru. Click side arrow for profile details. 

Karnataka Tennis player with International rankings
Soha Sadiq is an international level Tennis player from Bangalore. Born in 1998, her family runs a small-scale Business.  Soha earned a BCom.  from Mount Carmel College, Bangalore in 2021 having started in 2016 – the college allowed Soha to take extra time to complete the course, while still playing Tennis. Her Tennis journey started with her father‘s dream of becoming an athlete. He was not supported by his family ostensibly because he was the oldest son of the family supposed to earn money and take care of the family, but he had had a dream.  
Soha still remembers the day her father came to school and took her away early to play Tennis. 9-year-old Soha did not even know what Tennis was. She had never seen anyone play the game before except sometimes on TV. However, her father’s gesture excited Soha. On her very first day, she fell in love with the game. According to Soha “now, it is a part of who I am”. It has taken some discipline and tenacity.  Soha would start at 5 & go to train and thereafter directly to school. School let her off early to go for afternoon training. After coming home, she had to complete Arabic lessons and homework before turning in.
Both her parents were strongly supportive and soon she was spotted by the owners of Centre of Sports Excellence Dravid Padukone Academy, Shama & Vivek who sponsered her. Without their support, Soha finds it hard to imagine how things would have gone. She is very grateful to her mentor, Jorge pinilla Hernandez and her coaches - Rituplawan Gogoi and Andrés Ramírez. In December, 2018 Soha won the state team tennis gold medal.  She is the winner of Doubles in the $15,000 women’s ITF Tennis Tournament, Nagpur 2022 A 2023 runner up in Doubles $15,000 Woman Tennis tournament, ITF Ahmedabad. Soha has an international ranking in both singles and doubles and is continuing her practice of 6 to 7 hours a day at the Academy, traveling 44 Km for this.  Her readiness regime includes half a day of “recovery” that comprises rejuvenation activities like ice bath, sauna, massages and the like. She plays on both clay and Hard courts.  
References:
  • https://www.itftennis.com/en/players/soha-sadiq/800402261/ind/wt/S/overview/
  • https://www.wtatennis.com/players/323672/soha-sadiq

RBTC Karnataka Nominee, SUHANA SYED, Playback Singer. Shivamogga, Karnataka. Click side arrow for profile details. 

Suhana was born in Sagar in the Shivamogga district of Karnataka. She studied at the Sagar Government School and college. She went on to obtain an MBA from Dayanand Sagar College. Her parents were both teachers in Government schools.  Her first step into the public eye came with the Indian TV Music talent show, show Sa Re Ga Ma Pa. She emerged at number 7. Suhana went on to win the Saregamapa Championship 2021 as a team. This was telecast on Zee Kannada. 
Suhana performs on stage, does TV shows, sings playback, and has released her albums too. She also tours as part of concert groups both inside India and abroad. Her interest in singing comes from listening to folk music during her childhood. This is one of the genres along with semi-classical that she has chosen as of now.  She typically sings in Kannada but has also done some Hindi songs. Suhaana made her debut in Kannada films with the movie Statement. Since then, she has sung in many movies and made several albums. She was awarded the prestigious Sahitya Academy “Kengal Hanumanthaiah” award in the year 2018 and the Sagara Rathna Award in 2019 She has performed with other popular singers like Vijay Prakash, Arjun Janya, Rajesh Krishan, and others.
References: 


RBTC Karnataka Nominee, THABASSUM, Founder, SnehaDeep- Supporting HIV positive children. Bengaluru [To confirm]. Click side arrow for profile details. 

Thabassum was born in a less affluent family of 5 sisters and a brother.  She was exceptionally good in studies at the Green View High School and did very well in Class 10 – topping her class. She was not able to continue higher studies and needed to take financial help to complete her PUC at Besant College, Mangalore. Soon there was a proposal for her marriage. Coming from a backward area (Konaje), Thabassum and agreed to be married when she was just short of 18 years old. Her home life was not easy.  Some incidents like her son’s arm fracture made her acutely aware of her complete helplessness and she decided to take some steps in order to have at least a minimum financial independence. She started working in an office. While she was going through her share of difficulties, a good friend of hers lost her husband to AIDS. The friend and her daughter had to face a lot of societal exclusion and trauma and soon even the friend passed away leaving her daughter in Thabassum’s care. Even though the daughter was not HIV positive, she was not accepted by society. Thabassum helped her and thus started her work towards HIV positive children. 
SnehaDeep was started in 2010-11 in her own home with one child to look after. Since then, in more than a decade, there have been more than 50 children who were cared for, nurtured, married off or buried. The work Thabassum does is filled with tremendous emotional stress.  The children are abandoned by their families and she has to take care of their last rites irrespective of varied rituals. Over and above, is the difficulty in getting funding, premises as well as staff for her work. There is still a stigma associated with HIV which she has face frequently in different forms.  There were silver linings  to the dark clouds looming over her. Generous donors came forward to keep SnehaDeep going. Some regular and some sporadic. There is also some state scheme fund available on a per child basis for the children under 18 years of age. On the personal front, even her family supports her in the best way possible. With all of this, Thabassum is managing a Tailoring shop, SnehaDeep and continually striving for the betterment of the children under her care.
For her service to the children, Ms. Thabassum has been recognized and awarded:
  • 2011 - District Rajyotsava Award
  • 2012 – Aparna Award 2017 - Swabhiman Award
  • 2018 - Digvijay women Award
  • 2020 - Press Club award
  • 2023 - Deccan Herald changes Award
  • Coastal Karnataka Mother Theresa Award, 
  • Super Guru Award, Miland Award 
  • Sulthan gold &diamonds Nari Shakti award on women's day 2023 and still counting 

Rising Beyond The Ceiling  is supported by SAFAR Foundation . SAFAR stands for Supporting Action For Advancement & Rights.

RBTC Karnataka Leadership Team

Dr. Farah K. Usmani, Founder & President,  New York

Ms. AYESHA MASOOD,  State Coordinator, RBTC Karnataka

Ms. ZOYA FATEHALLY,  Leadership Team Member, RBTC Karnataka

Ms. AIMAN ANSARI,  Analyst, RBTC Karnataka

The photographs and text on this website has been provided by individual women honorees through interviews, emails, text as well as taken from the references and sources which are provided with the profiles.  While the team have made every effort to provide accurate information at the time of publication, neither the editors or the RBTC assume any responsibilities for errors or changes that occur after publication or assume any responsibility for third party websites or their content.  For more information contact risingbeyondtheceiling@gmail.com