100 Inspiring Muslim Women  from

Madhya Pradesh

There is a stereotype narrative surrounding Muslim women in India.  However, the millions of Indian women who identify themselves as Muslim reach across a spectra of ethnicities and languages, states and union territories, do not look the same or sound the same, and contribute towards nation building in a wide variety of ways.  This Rising Beyond The Ceiling initiative, born out of the need to change the stereotypical narrative, is a celebration of Indian Muslim women. The focus of this initiative is to shine a spotlight on Indian Muslim women, their leadership and contributions in Independent India, as well as study their demographics and socioeconomic trends.  While this cohort comprises of over hundred million women, there is limited information and data on their contributions to India's fabric, socioeconomic growth and development.  

The 100 inspiring Muslim women women spotlighted here from Madhya Pradesh & Chattisgarh are achievers in diverse fields -  they serve in the army, they are boxers and. wrestling champions, they write books and poetry,  create art, administer and govern, advocate for social issues, serve as lawyers, scientists and doctors, are entrepreneurs, politicians, media and corporate professionals and are substantive contributors to the progress of the country.  The stories are for all young women and girls in India to seek their inspiration, role models and mentors in their own districts and schools and to be inspirations themselves to future generations.  


Forthcoming! Launching our Rising Beyond The Ceiling Book in November 2023- at Bhopal

BEYOND STEREOTYPES: Introduction by Founder & Chairperson,  Dr. Farah K. Usmani

Nearly a century ago, when the term feminism was not yet part of common parlance, the princely estate of Bhopal, now part of Madhya Pradesh, was run by a line of powerful women. In the absence of male successors, they initiated a matrilineal reign from 1819, which continued till 1926. These rulers, referred to as the Begums of Bhopal,  ruled with authority, dignity, and bold reforms — disrupting the patriarchal system that had been laid down centuries before them. Sultan Jahan Begum, the last of the four women nawabs, was a reformist ruler known for her work to advance public health and was  a pioneer in the field of education, women's education. She was the first president of the All-India Conference on Education and first chancellor of the Aligarh Muslim University and authored She nearly 50 books on cooking, housekeeping, health, women’s rights, and responsibilities.  Her progressive policies for women, at a time when they were shackled by the forces of patriarchy, have made her a feminist icon even today.  Qudsia Begum in 1819, was the first woman ruler in Bhopal and ushered in a period of peace and inter-faith coexistence between various religious groups. Sikander Begum,  the second woman Nawab of Bhopal enacted many reforms in the state, including the creation of a mint, a secretariat, a parliament, and a modern judiciary. Shah Jahan Begum improved the tax revenue system and increased state intake, modernized the military's arms, built a dam and an artificial lake, improved the efficiency of the police force, and undertook the first census after the state.  
In recent times, Shah Bano Begum, a  mother of five from Indore, is considered a feminist figure in the Indian history as she fought her case in the court to demand alimony from her estranged husband. Shah Bano stood by her claims and eventually won the case which paved the foundation for similar future cases and was an important achievement, amidst the controversies and criticism, for the rights of women in India.  Women of Madhya Pradesh, including Muslim women,  stand on the strong shoulders of many female icons of the past from the state. 
Madhya Pradesh is home today to 47.75 lakh people who identify themselves as Muslims and make up approximately 6.57 percent of the total population of 7.26 crore. Of this population nearly 23 lakh (48 percent) are Muslim women.  The distribution however is not even across the state, and several districts have a Muslim population of over 10 percent, namely, Burhanpur, Bhopal, Shajapur, Indore, Dewas, Ujjain, Ratlam, Sehore and Vidisha and others with less than 2 percent population (Jhabua, Mandla, Dindori, Niwari). The 100 Rising Beyond The Ceiling stories are a small sliver from among these  23 lakh women of Madhya Pradesh. 
The over 100 million women of women of India, who identify themselves as Muslim, reach across all states and union territories, are from a spectrum of ethnicities and languages, do not look the same or sound the same and contribute to progress and development in a myriad way.  However, there is a stereotype narrative surrounding Muslim women of India, particularly around education, marital rights, and freedom. Muslim women are often imagined and portrayed as oppressed victims, docile, powerless, voiceless, and marginalized. It is also commonplace to view Muslim women of India, and globally, as a monolithic category, even though they are highly differentiated and heterogeneous.   The stereotypical image of a Muslim woman as uneducated and lacking ambition is neither true nor fair. It obscures the complex realities of life for many millions of Muslim women ― incorrectly attributing their low levels of educational attainment to a lack of desire, as well as to the strictures of Islam, rather than to a broader range of socioeconomic and political roadblocks. 
Rising Beyond The Ceiling (RBTC) was founded out of the need to change the stereotypical narrative about Muslim women of India. I believe we ourselves must also work to put forward and build our own narrative. Through sharing the stories of the lived reality of Muslim women’s lives, in all their diversity, RBTC aims to dismantle their negative societal stereotypes. The hundreds of profiles of courage and excellence of Muslim women across India and globally, demonstrate how they have overcome and addressed the hierarchies of gender, class, and location. Through shining a light on the untold stories and celebrating the achievements of Muslim women of India, RBTC proposes to make them more visible and drive a new narrative.  
I celebrate all the one hundred women spotlighted in this publication.  The RBTC 100 Madhya Pradesh honorees have displayed exemplary resilience and success in various fields. They are shattering stereotypes in uniform in government departments and agencies,  change makers in social development, making a difference in medicine and science, achieving excellence in academics, demonstrating leadership in the corporate and business sectors, making an impact as founders and entrepreneurs and in the media,  award winning authors, writers and poets, administering quality education, creative contributors to the arts and shining is a range of sports, hockey, cricket, wrestling, shooting, others.  
As I review the profiles for Rising Beyond The Ceiling, I read about and talk to inspiring Muslim women of India, looking for what they have in common. The many biases and barriers that have derailed women from exploring their full potential could fill pages. However, the bigger fascination for me is not the women who were stopped, but those who refused to be slowed down. And what does that say about what we all can do going forward.  While all women achievers are distinctive and individualistic, I see some common pointers emerging.  Most achievers have a supportive person or mentor at some point in their lives, whom they mention in different ways – father, mother, spouse, mostly family – who was instrumental in their career selection and/or pursuance. Many women pursued a childhood dream which carried them through failure and disappointment to keep trying and finally succeed. There are stories of taking on professional careers later in life after marriage and motherhood, after exploring different professions. Several faced brickbats and backlash but were firm in their belief which helped them continue in their chosen path. RBTC honorees tend to redefine themselves as individuals without limitations of gender stereotypes, and this belief was also encouraged and supported in their families. The whole world doesn’t need to be on the side of Muslim women, and it almost never is. But one mentor, or teacher or parent or spouse offering encouragement is vital. I continue to learn about and from Muslim women of India. They diversify my perspectives and reiterate that Muslim women are heterogeneous, and not a monolith.  
As we take charge of the new narrative, inspired by these stories of success, and recognizing the tenacity of women, let us start shedding the narrow definitions of success and of us, Muslim women of and from India. Change occurs slowly, but it does occur. I feel we are making progress….
Dr. Farah K. Usmani  Chairperson & Founder of Rising Beyond The Ceiling New York

Shattering Stereotypes in Uniform   

RBTC Madhya Pradesh Honoree. AZRA KHAN, Assistant Sub-Inspector TT Nagar. Joined MP Police service in 1989.  Bhopal, M.P. Click side arrow for profile details. 

SERVICE BEFORE SELF 
Azra Khan joined the Madhya Pradesh police in 1989. She is currently Assistant Sub-Inspector of Police (ASI) posted at Bhopal’s TT Nagar Police Station( Thana). Azra’s first posting was at Kotwali Thana in Bhopal, and she also served in Jamnagar. 
ASI Azra was born in Bhopal and did her schooling at Saifia School in the city. Azra lost her father when she was very young and had seen her mother work very hard for her and the family. She admired her mother and wanted to be a strong woman like her mother and a role model for her sisters. This motivated her to join the police and to protect her family. 
Ms. Khan has helped trace more than 100 lost girls and has received many awards and recognition for her services. Some notable awards include-Shaurya Samman (2018); Shakti Samman by Creative Women’s Club, Milansaar Award (2017), recognition souvenir from Police Training School, Panchmarhi.Azra Khan believes in the moto “Service before Self”. During the pandemic she cooked and served the food by herself to those in need and provided door to door rations to the poor, for which she was also awarded by the Muslim Multani Banjara Samaj. She believes that women can do anything in their will if they trust and believe in themselves.

RBTC Madhya Pradesh Honoree. FARHAT HASSAN. Major, Indian Army.  Home Town: Datia. M.P. Click side arrow for profile details. 

SERVING THE NATION  IN THE INDIAN ARMY 
Major Farhat Hassan got commissioned as officer in the Indian Army on 15 September 2012. Belonging to a small town of  Datia in Madhya Pradesh, Major Farhat was not able get resources needed to crack the Army entrance exam. Farhat’s father, himself in the army, was very keen that his daughter become an officer in the army and arranged for her to go to Bhopal so she could be trained under the best educators. Farhat worked hard and did not give up hope and in the end the hard work paid off. 
Farhat always dreamt of joining the Army and her childhood dream came true after years of hard work.  Farhat completed her bachelors in technology (B.Tech) in communication and information technology and  postgraduate M.Sc. in mathematics. She is not only the first women officer commissioned in the Indian Army from her family but also from her entire district. 
Major Hasan has completed 10 years of service in Indian Army and has been awarded with *'Chief of Integrated Staff  Committee'* commendation card for her duties while serving  in Jammu and Kashmir in 2019. Her story is indeed an inspiration for all. 

RBTC Madhya Pradesh Honoree. IRMEEN SHAH, Additional Inspector General of Police. (AIG Training). State Police Service (2002). Gwalior, M.P. Click side arrow for profile details. 

TRAILBLAZER IN THE USE OF TECHNOLOGY TO SOLVE CRIMES 
Irmeen Shah got selected for the State Police Service batch of 2002. Ms. Shah is currently serving as Assistant Inspector General (Training), with an additional charge of Superintendent of Police ITI Bhopal where she is leading various aspects of skill development, research, and policy for the department. 
Ms. Shah began her career as deputy superintendent of police. Her background in law gave her a head start whence she proved her mettle in different responsibilities, carving out a trustworthy public image. As City Superintendent of Police at Sanyogita Ganj, Indore, she was a trailblazer in the use of technology in solving crimes such as the case of a threatening email to the President of India or the kidnapping of a child for ransom by an interstate gang. Ms. Shah proved equally efficient in securing court convictions for traditional crimes.  She was pivotal in digitization of processes and secured ISO 9001-2000 certification for Police Station Palasia, Chhotigwaltoli and the Police Control Room. In Indore she strengthened Community Police initiatives like Sanjeevani, a non-formal education center at Police Station Sanyogita Ganj. During her posting at Bhopal district as Sub Divisional Officer of Police Misrod, she proved her diligence and initiative through continuous involvement in every aspect of policing investigation, supervision, crime prevention, law and order, security and particularly gender issues. As Assistant Inspector General of Police in Government Railway Police she made a mark as an innovator. She mentored the development of Masoom Milap, an App to track lost and found children during the Simhastha Mahakumbh (Ujjain 2016). She turned the Legal Section at the Police Headquarters around, when she joined as Assistant Inspector General (Law), cleaning up backlogs, training OICs, liaising with the courts for timely notices, getting service matters decided at Lok Adalats, a first in the state. She took on extra responsibility to migrate Personal Appraisal Reports of all gazetted officers to SPARROW, a revolutionary step in digitization and transparency. She was selected to assist with the DGPs Research and Policy Cell through which she contributed to building the pilot One-Stop Crisis Center Gulmohar in Vidisha. 
Irmeen participated in a study tour to Sheffield Hallam University in UK for best practices in improving access to justice for women. Irmeen’s inexhaustible search for knowledge, empathetic understanding of issues and humility has broken all stereotypes.  
References/Sources

RBTC Madhya Pradesh Honoree. RIZWANA RIYAZ. Colonel in Indian Army, Medical Wing. Hometown Bhopal. M.P. Click side arrow for profile details. 

A COMPASSIONATE COLONEL 
Colonel Rizwana Riyaz is an army officer  in Indian Army in the Army Medical Corps. Rizwana Farhat, which was her  maiden name before marriage, belongs to the city of Bhopal. She did her schooling from St Joseph's Convent School Jabalpur, and Bhopal and MBBS from Gandhi Medical College Bhopal. Further she completed her post-graduation in Ophthalmology from Aligarh Muslim University for which she was awarded the University Gold Medal. Colonel Rizwana also holds a Post Graduate Diploma in Hospital and Health Management.
Colonel Rizwana is the first lady in her family to be  an Army Officer. She was always impressed with women in uniform. But when Kargil war broke out in May 1999 she read about how the Indian Army Medical Corps was working calmly, silently with utmost professionalism amidst hostilities saving thousands of casualties and was motivated  to serve in the Army. She closed her nursing home and decided to work for the nation and joined Indian Army in October 1999.Colonel Rizwana has served for over two decades in the Army Medical Corps in several Static and Field Hospitals across the country. She has been posted in almost all Commands of the Army. She has served in mountains, plains and deserts providing medical cover to the troops, in harsh weather conditions. During medical cover to the brave hearts of the nation she stayed for several days in tents in far flung areas. Her strong sense of devotion to help the combatants and the country has always kept her motivated and strong. She was the Commanding Officer of a medical unit for over 3 years and has held appointments at Headquarters.  The dual role of doctor and combatant gives her immense satisfaction. 
Rizwana has guided and motivated lot of women to join the Armed Forces and is an inspiration to all women to aspire to achieve their dreams. She has been called upon as a guest speaker for motivation of young girls to join forces and has been felicitated by the Inner Wheel Rotary Club, Ranchi.  Along with the challenging work conditions she has balanced her family front with grace. She has two daughters who are inspired by their mother. Her motto is  "Care with Compassion”.

RBTC Madhya Pradesh Honoree. RUBINA MIZWANI, Deputy Superintendent of Police, Gwalior. Hometown: Dewas, M.P. Click side arrow for profile details. 

ROLE MODEL POLICEWOMAN
Rubina Mizwani is a 2015 batch Madhya Pradesh Police Service Officer. She is currently Deputy Superintendent of Police at Gwalior. Rubina wanted to be an officer since childhood.  Rubina's father Salim Sheikh and her mother Zebunnisa did not have much education. But they wanted to fulfil their daughter's dream. Her father was a bangle seller and saved to pay for her education. Rubina scored high grades in the tenth and twelth class where she got 94 percent. Rubina was a topper in her district in 12th grade .
Rubina got married in the first year of graduate school.However, she continued her quest for knowledge despite family responsibilities and was motivated to become an officer.   Rubina is a bachelors degree in Mathematics and did her masters in history.  After graduation Rubina started her preparation for the competitive examination for the police service. Marriage was not a barrier for Rubina, she worked for the examination for five years after her marriage., one year she fully devoted her time to the preparation.  Her husband and in-laws also supported her dream and preparations for the PSC examination.  
Prior to joining the police Rubina worked as Child Development Project Officer. She underwent rigorous training  for selection as DSP in Burhanpur.. Rubina continues her quest for knowledge and is currently doing her  masters in police administration. 
References/Sources

 RBTC Madhya Pradesh Nominee. SABA ANJUM KARIM. Former captain of Indian Women's Hockey Team, Padma Shri Award Recipient 2015. Deputy Superintendent Police. Durg, Chattisgarh. Hometown: Durg ( earlier in M.P) Click side arrow for profile details. 

FROM GULLY HOCKEY TO INDIA’S HOCKEY CAPTAIN TO DSP
Padmashri Saba Anjum is a former member and captain of the Indian women's hockey team. Saba first played for India in under-18 AHF Cup in 2000. She has represented India in many other international tournaments like Asian Games (2002), Asia Cup (2004) Delhi, Commonwealth Games (2002, 2006), Manchester, Junior World Cup (2001), Buenos Aires and Australian Test Series and New Zealand Tour. Saba was the youngest of all participants at the 2002 Commonwealth Games in Manchester and part of the gold winning women’s hockey team. She was the captain of the women’s hockey India team in 2011 and has played nearly 200 games with around 92 goals to her credit. 
Saba has received several awards and recognitions including the Padma Shri, the fourth highest civilian award of India, in 2015. She was honoured with Chhattisgarh's top Gundadhur sports award (2011), the annual award is given to a person who brings honour to state in the field of sports at national and international level. She has also received the Arjuna Award by the President of India, the State Bank of India Lifetime achievement award (2014) and the Madhav Jyoti Alankarn Award (2012). The Government of Chhattisgarh has honoured her by giving posting in police department at the post of Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) where she is currently serving. 
From gully hockey to India’s hockey captain to DSP of police, Saba Anjum Karim's story of grit, determination and much more. Daughter of a muezzin from a local mosque, Saba, who hails from Kelabadi, Durg, developed an interest in hockey because her brother and boys from her mohalla played hockey and she soon started playing with them. Her parents, especially her mother, and siblings have always been her pillar of strength. They sacrificed everything to provide her with whatever I needed. Her mother sold utensils from our house to get me a passport because Rs 1,000 was a huge amount of money for our family at that time. Saba dreams of opening an academy on her own to teach hockey to all inter area hockey aspirants. 
Sources/References

RBTC Madhya Pradesh Nominee. SHAHNAZ QURESHI. Assistant District Excise Officer, State Exercise Department, Government of Madhya Pradesh, Bhopal. Hometown: Sheopur  Click side arrow for profile details. 

LEGAL ACUMEN IN EXCISE
Shahnaz Qureshi is Assistant District Excise Officer, Government of Madhya Pradesh. Shahnaz was selected in the Public Service Commission of Madhya Pradesh and joined the State Excise Department in  2001. Shahnaz has also worked as Assistant commissioner excise Bhopal earlier.  
Shahnaz has a law degree from Hamidia Law College Bhopal.  She completed her bachelors at Government College, Sheopur and masters from MVAM College, Bhopal. 
Shahnaz was inspired for higher education by her grandparents. Shahnaz’s grandmother Zeenab Bee retired as School Headmistress and her  grandfather always guided and motivated children for school. Shanaz says  her father Late Mohd. Ibrahim Qureshi, supported her to achieve her dreams. Shahnaz is the first lady in her family to become a gazetted officer . She always motivates girls for education specially belonging to downtrodden families. 

RBTC Madhya Pradesh Honoree. YASMIN ZEHRA JAMAL, Additional Superintendent of Police. Baunri, Bhopal. Home town: Jabalpur. M.P. Click side arrow for profile details. 

A JOURNEY OF RESILIENCE FROM GEMOLOGIST TO POLICE SERVICE
Yasmin Zehra Jamal is Additional Superintendent of Police and currently posted as Assistant Director of Training at Madhya Pradesh Police Training Academy Baunri,  Bhopal. Yasmin joined the  Madhya Pradesh Police Service as Deputy Superintendent of Police in 2011. 
Yasmin was born and brought up in Jabalpur where she completed her master’s degree in geology.  She is an alumna of Rani Durgavati Vishwas Vidhyalaya. Jabalpur.  Soon after her masters she briefly worked as a Gemologist and qualified for Government Jail Services. She worked as Jail Superintendent at Central Jail Jabalpur from 2007-09. Later she was selected as the Forest Range officer. Ms. Jamal kept working hard and  cracked the Madhya Pradesh Public Service Commission examination and was selected for the prestigious Madhya Pradesh Police Service in 2010. 
Ms. Jamal has won many accolades and awards in the police. She was awarded the  Simhastha  Jyoti medal in 2016 for exemplary service during the Kumbh mela in Ujjain and Director General’s disc in year 2018. Serving people with fairness is her passion. 
References/Sources:

 Leadership in Administration 

RBTC Madhya Pradesh Honoree. P JASMINE ALI,  Assistant Commissioner Labor  Department, Bhopal, M.P.  Click side arrow for profile details. 

EFFECTIVE SERVICE FOR MIGRANTS  AND CHILD LABOR 
P Jasmine Ali  is  Assistant Labor Commissioner, Government of Madhya Pradesh, Bhopal. Jasmine works on various schemes to help migrant laborers get jobs in the state. During COVID19 lockdown her focus was on migrant labor and planning for people to be able to reach their home was an urgent need. The Labor Department did not have information on migrant labor in Madhya Pradesh from other states and vice versa.  7 lakh residents of Madhya Pradesh were working outside the state and during COVID they returned to their homes. She worked compiling the data on the portal, Rozgar Setu Portal. 
Another of her areas of work is to make Bhopal free of child labor. She provides leadership to the Committee of the District Task Force under Child and Adolescent Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986.
Since Jasmine was in school she wanted to join the civil services. Jasmine chose to join the Labor Department to help people. Jasmine's father was in BHEL, and she grew up on the company campus.  Jasmine is fond of gardening which she says relaxes her. 
References/Sources:

RBTC Madhya Pradesh Honoree. ROOHI KHAN. Indian Administrative Service 2013, MP State Administrative Service (1998). Hometown: Bhopal, M.P. Click side arrow for profile details. 

NO STRANGER TO SETTING TRENDSRoohi Khan joined the Madhya Pradesh civil service in 1998 and was the first Muslim woman to qualify the Madhya Pradesh state administrative exams. She has worked as Sub divisional officer in various capacities at district, state, and national level as deputy commissioner Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Scheme and Deputy CEO Haj Committee of India. Roohi also served as deputy collector of Bhopal and as Deputy CEO Madhya Pradesh. Ms. Khan was promoted to all India Indian Administrative Service in 2013.  In 2022 Roohi was appointed as Deputy Secretary in the National Health Authority under the Ministry of  Health and Family Welfare for a period of four years where she is currently serving. This was again the first time that a Madhya Pradesh office promoted to the IAS was given a deputation post at the center. Roohi Khan also became the first woman to be appointed to an administrative post at the Haj Committee. Roohi Khan is no stranger to setting trends. As the committee’s deputy chief executive officer Roohi  lets her work speak for herself and her gender. At the Haj committee, Roohi supervised the pilgrims’ lists, travel arrangements, visas and immigration issues and communicating with private tour operators and aggrieved Haj applicants who have missed out. Roohi has received invites from schools and colleges to advise girl students. “Islam is a progressive religion and I tell them that one can balance one’s career and religion,” she says. Roohi’s father, a journalist who started a newspaper in Bhopal, Urdu Action, has always supported her decisions. He inspired her to appear for the civil services exam after she had graduated in law from Bhopal and did a postgraduate diploma in management from Faridabad. Roohi did her schooling at St. Joseph’s convent, Bhopal. References/Source

RBTC Madhya Pradesh Honoree. SHAHMEENA HUSAIN. Indian Administrative Service (Batch 1997, Gujarat Cadre). Commissioner of Health, Medical Services & Medical Education Gujarat. Hometown: Bhopal Madhya Pradesh.  Click side arrrow for profile details. 

SPEARHEADING PATHBREAKING INITIATIVES AND POWER SECTOR REFORMSShahmeena Husain is an Indian Administrative Services officer belonging to the 1997 batch. Shahmeena was born and brought up in Bhopal and studied at St. Joseph's Convent Bhopal and holds a master’s degree in Zoology. She belongs to the Gujarat cadre of the IAS and has served in many important positions, headed many Departments of the Government of Gujarat, and served as Board Member of PSUs. Currently she is of the rank of Principal Secretary and appointed as Commissioner of Health, Medical Services & Medical Education and Ex-Officio Principal Secretary to Government, Health & Family Welfare Department at Gandhinagar. Shameena was conferred Prime Minister’s Award for Excellence in Public Administration on Civil Services Day in 2023.Ms. Husain had served the state’s power sector for over 8 years spearheading various national level path breaking initiatives and power sector reforms. She was Managing Director of Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Ltd.( GUVNL), the holding company of the State Government’s power sector undertakings at Vadodara between 2019 to 2022 as well as Chairperson of all 4 distribution companies during this period. For over 4 years, she also served as Director (Administration) at GUVNL. In addition to her power sector role, she held additional charge of Managing Director at Gujarat Green Revolution Co. Ltd. and Commissioner of Rehabilitation at Sardar Sarovar Punarvasvat Agency. Shahmeena also served as District Collector and Magistrate of Sabarkantha District and Surendranagar District of Gujarat. She was also posted as Commissioner - Tribal Development, Gujarat. Ms. Husain was awarded as ‘Best DDO’ and ‘Best Collector’ during her respective stint as DDO at Valsad and District Collector at Surendranagar. She spearheaded the green initiative in the agriculture field as Managing Director of Gujarat Green Revolution Co. Ltd. She also served as Managing Director of two generation companies, Gujarat Industries Power Co. Ltd. and Bhavnagar Energy Co. Ltd also served as Commissioner of Sardar Sarovar Punarvasvat Agency in year 2018. She was on the Board of many Government-owned companies like GETCO, GSECL, DGVCL, MGVCL, PGVCL, UGVCL, Bhavnagar Energy Company Limited, and Director of Mahagunj Collieries Ltd. References/Sources

RBTC Madhya Pradesh Honoree. SHAMEEM ZEHRA. Madhya Pradesh State Administrative Service (1979). Bhopal M.P. Click side arrow for profile details. 

A TRAILBLAZING JOURNEY BREAKING GENDER BARRIERS Ms. Shameem Zehra joined the Madhya Pradesh Civil Service in 1979 through the public service commission examination in 1979. Throughout her career, she occupied a series of administrative roles, each with distinction. Notably, she extended special care to the victims of the Bhopal gas tragedy and the 1992 riots. Her dedication remained evident during her 12-year tenure with the Madhya Pradesh Government's Women and Child Welfare Department, where she devoted herself to the upliftment of women and children. In 2009, she retired from the State Administrative Service, having held the esteemed position of Deputy CollectorMs. Zehra was born in 1949 in Nagina in Bijnor district of Uttar Pradesh, emerged as a trailblazer, defying societal norms prevalent in her Pardah-following Muslim Sayyid family. She embarked on her educational journey, becoming the first woman in her family to pursue formal schooling due to her inherent passion for literature. Her determination remained unwavering even after her marriage in 1967, as she continued her studies privately while managing household responsibilities and nurturing her children. In her pursuit of knowledge, Ms. Zehra earned a master's degree in both Sanskrit and English. Additionally, she undertook the challenge of acquiring a law degree, showcasing her unyielding commitment to personal and intellectual growth.Currently, Mrs. Shameem Zehra manages a girls' hostel, providing a nurturing haven for young women engaged in both work and study. Her vision revolves around fostering an environment conducive to preparing for competitive examinations. Complementing her administrative achievements, she is a prolific writer of Hindi and Urdu poems and stories. Her literary creations grace the pages of esteemed literary journals and periodicals, and her words resonate through broadcasts on television and radio. With the imminent release of her forthcoming compilations, including titles such as 'Pagdandiyon se Shahrahon tak,' 'Chehre Waqt Ke,' 'Yeh Jo Yaad Hai,' and 'Khoobsurat Hai Yeh Zindagi,' 

RBTC Madhya Pradesh Honoree. SUFIYAH FARUQUI WALI. Indian Administrative Service (Batch 2009).Commissioner MP Handlooms and Handicrafts Department, Bhopal, M.P.. Click side arrow for profile details. 

A PEOPLE CENTRIC ADMINISTRATORSufiyah Faruqui Wali is an IAS officer of 2009 batch of Madhya Pradesh cadre, currently posted as Commissioner Madhya Pradesh Handlooms and Handicrafts at Bhopal. In her service of 14 years Sufiyah has contributed to ensuring government policies and programme reach people in need. During her tenure as MD, Civil Supplies Corporation, Sufiyah led the launch of MP Government’s largest automated Direct Benefit Transfer project worth Rs 40,000 Crore in 2019 to farmers for procurement and agricultural purchase.  As CEO, State Employment Guarantee Council Ms. Wali has worked extensively on water conservation projects in Madhya Pradesh, providing employment to people under MGNREGA, who had lost their jobs because of the post pandemic economy,  with a special focus on disabled and women workers. During her posting she led a serious attempt at putting the groundwater recharging plan on sound scientific foundations by using satellite-based GIS informatics to use, which has resulted in MP being the leading state in the country in GIS mapping and planning for groundwater recharging. As Commissioner MGNREGA-MP, Sufiyah has worked on linking infrastructure created through MGNREGA to natural farming, sustainable livelihood and scientific planning using technology. Ms. Wali also served in Gwalior and Satna as CEO Zilla Panchayat. In her posting as Collector Mandla, the district Mandla was awarded by Honorable Chief Minister, jointly with Times of India for the category “Most Improved Infrastructure District in Madhya Pradesh”.  Sufiyah’s motivation towards public life comes from her father and grandfathers who were also civil servants and her mother and grandmothers who are women of great determination, strength of character and extremely well read in literature, philosophy and political sciences. She did her schooling from St Joseph’s Convent Jabalpur and Bhopal, and her post-graduation from Nutan College, Bhopal.References/Sources:  

RBTC Madhya Pradesh Honoree. TABASSUM ZAIDI. Former Additional Secretary, Government of Madhya Pradesh. Bhopal, M.P. Click side arrow for profile details

A LIFETIME IN PUBLIC SERVICEMs. Tabassum Zaidi spent 32 years in public service with the government and retired as Additional Secretary, Government of Madhya Pradesh in the year…add. Tabassum was also chosen as the only woman member of the Wakf Board of Madhya Pradesh.Ms. Zaidi held several key positions in government departments of Agriculture, where she was deputy secretary, in Water Resources Department, Mantralay, Joint Director, Public Grievance Department, Deputy Commissioner among others during her career. Tabassum’s work was recognized, and she received several awards and recognitions including the prestigious Sushil Chandra Verma Award by the Governor of Madhya Pradesh for exemplary work and contribution in the field of public administration. She was also awarded by the General Administration Department government of Madhya Pradesh for successful submission of Mantralay record for 1957-1990. Prior to joining public service Ms. Zaidi was Assistant Professor at the Department of Political Science, Government Degree College, Astha, Sehore. 

RBTC Madhya Pradesh Honoree. ZAHINA WARSI. Fisheries Inspector at Department of Fisheries. Madhya Pradesh. Bhopal, M.P. Click side arrow for profile details

LEADERSHIP IN FISHERIES SECTORZahina (Zenny) Warsi is the first Muslim women appointed at executive post in  the Fisheries Department of the Government of Madhya Pradesh. Ms. Warsi is currently working in the Directorate of Fisheries in Bhopal and is in-charge of the Kisan Credit Card section of Madhya Pradesh Fisheries Department. Zahina also has additional charge of monitoring Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana and water body management portal of Fisheries, Madhya Pradesh, along with Kisan credit card fisheries section. Earlier, she oversaw maintenance of Fish Aquarium, Madhya Pradesh State Unit. She worked as district Coordinator of Dell project by Mind Mantra.Zahina had to clear several  professional exams prior to her selection in this department.  Following selection, she did her training in Inland Fisheries from Madhya Pradesh Government Fisheries Training Institute, Chhatarpur.  She had the opportunity to get training from ICAR- CIFE institute of Mumbai, NFDB Institute in Hyderabad, NBGFR in Lucknow, ICAR-CIFE institute of Kolkata, and Disaster Management Institute in Bhopal . Ms. Warsi studied at All Saints School, Bhopal and was always a meritorious student in school. Her father, Syed Masood Ali always motivated her to serve nation by executive service and she credits her husband for full support. Mrs. Warsi did her graduation from M.V. A. M. and was President of Literature society. She achieved many prizes in debate competitions  due to her brilliant speaker skills. Zahina completed her master’s in biotechnology from Saifia Science College , Bhopal in 2009 and later did Masters in Zoology.  She is a trained IT professional too and commands many high-level computer languages.  Zahina had also worked on a few software projects while completing her DOEACC level. Zahina is a proud mother of two daughters whom she loves to take care of. She got married at a young age while doing her Post graduation but continued her studies after marriage. She cleared competitive exams after becoming a mother and fighting all the odds and is a proud mother of two daughters, whom she loves to take care of. Zahina’s motto is to take her circumstances as a challenge and overcome them as a winner. She is a quintessential learner of new skills towards achieving her goals.References/Sources:  

Achieving Academic Excellence  

RBTC Madhya Pradesh Honoree. ASFA M. YASIN. Former Professor & Head of the Department of Agriculture Animal Husbandry and Centre for International Relations,  PSSCIVE, NCERT, Bhopal M.P. Click side arrow for profile details. 

LEADING PROFESSIONAL IN  VOCATIONAL EDUCATIONProfessor Asfa M. Yasin, PhD, served as the Head, Department of Agriculture & Animal Husbandry and Centre for International Relationship, PSSCIVE (UNEVOC Centre in India), NCERT, Government of India, Bhopal between 1995 to 2017. Dr. Yasin is an eminent educationist, trainer and scientist in the areas related to fisheries and agriculture. Currently she works as an expert in the Vocational Education & Training program for skill development for School Heads and Teachers Holistic Advancement (NISHTHA), while also serving as Director for KGN School of Excellence, Bhopal, aiming to enhance access to quality education for children of economically marginalized sections of the society.Dr. Yasin has served in various positions and received numerous recognitions.  She worked at the state agriculture universities of Jammu and Kashmir and M.P. as a fishery scientist from 1985-95.  She was sponsored by Government of Australia for a study program at School of Aquatic Sciences, Deakin University, Australia,(1992-1993). She served as member secretary of the National Focus Group on Work and Education   in the National Curriculum Framework 2005 and was involved in designing & developing about 200 vocational and fisheries occupation-based curricula, textbooks, student workbooks, and projects for small enterprises in agriculture and fisheries for various target groups.  At international level Dr. Yasin  coordinated the development of UNESCO’s Literacy Initiative for Empowerment kit (2006),  piloted UNESCO’s General Education Quality Analysis Framework in M.P., participated in UNEVOC meetings at Iran and Sri Lanka  and was Member, Indian delegation to Afghanistan (2007) for vocational education and organized three International conferences on VET in India and Nigeria and was a guest speaker at the University of Cologne. Professor Asfa  has about 150 publications to her credit including handbooks, papers, chapters, self-learning modules. The book titled “Technical Education and Vocational Training for Developing Nations”, was ranked 24th in the world as one of the best vocational education books, as author and editor.  Asfa was conferred the ‘Fellow’ of the Academy of Science, Engineering and Technology, Bhopal in 2007 and received the International Biographical Centre, Cambridge, award  “Leading Professional of the World in the Arena of Vocational Education, 2010”.  She was felicitated by MECAPS, Bhopal  for her contribution in the area of vocational education and fishery science (2007).

RBTC Madhya Pradesh Honoree. ASMA RIZWAN, Professor of Business Communications, & Principal,  Institute of Media. People University. Bhopal. M.P. Click side arrow for profile details.

ESTABLISHED COMMUNICATOR & TRAINER IN GENDER ISSUES AND SENSITIVE POLICING 
Professor Asma Rizwan is the Principal of Institute of Media, People’s University, Bhopal. She has an experience of more than 20 years of teaching, training & research.  Dr. Rizwan has a PhD in English, certificate course in French, and in training like DTS, DOT, ELT from DOPT. She is an Examiner for Cambridge University UK for its international English exams.  She has established herself as a prominent trainer in behavioural sciences, communication, and general management, and is largely working with Police and central armed police forces.  She is a visiting Faculty at RCVP Noronha Academy of Administration, Police Training & Research Institute, State Institute for agricultural extension & training, Central academy of Police training, Sashastra Seema Bal, Special Branch Training Institute, Madhya Pradesh Police State Academy, Indian Railways, BHEL & National academy of customs indirect taxes and narcotics, UNICEF others. She regularly speaks on gender issues and is a nominated member on committees of sexual harassment at workplace in many Government organisations. 
Professor Asma has designed modules for communications & trained police personnel in MP Dial 100 for which she was awarded by the DG police for her contributions.  She also designed a module on sensitizing the CID and child welfare officers in sensitive policing and handling child victims. Dr. Rizwan is involved in training & development of Civil services & state services officers. Among others she has been a speaker for gender sensitization and women’s issues, like work-life balance and guest speaker at several government and private Colleges, AIR & Doordarshan. Asma is also a writer, blogger, and columnist with several newspapers. She is also a recipient of ‘Achala Samman” for her contributions to media studies. 
References/Links

RBTC Madhya Pradesh Honoree. FARAH KHALIQ Director Professor & Head, Department of Physiology, University College of Medical Sciences. Delhi. Hometown: Bhopal, M.P. Click side arrow for profile details. 

NEW PARADIGMS IN MEDICAL EDUCATION Dr. Farah Khaliq is working as Director Professor and Head Department of Physiology at the University College of Medical Sciences (UCMS), Delhi University.  Farah was born and brought up in Bhopal and studied at St. Josephs Convent School. She completed her MBBS from Gandhi Medical College, Bhopal, MD from Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, AMU, Aligarh. Dr. Khaliq also has a Ph.D. from Delhi University which she completed while working as a faculty at the University College of Medical Sciences.  Dr. Khaliq always enjoyed teaching and experimented with newer teaching styles and evaluation methods. She believes that as teachers, we need to propose new paradigms in education and share resources for better teaching performance. Her way of teaching by using trigger films to teach professionalism and ethics to medical students is well acclaimed. She is also pursuing FAIMER (Foundation for Advancement of International Medical Education and Research)  fellowship to continue to get new insights and perspectives into medical education.Farah has more than 50 publications in national and international journals. She has received several awards for her research work and has been a reviewer of teaching-learning modules, projects, and national and international journals. She is an editor of reputed medical journals and books, a member of the board of studies, and a panel of experts at various medical colleges. She also serves as resource person for the National Board of Examinations, Indian Council of Medical Research, and Medical Education Unit, UCMS. Dr. Khaliq is also the Chairperson of several committees at her institute including the curriculum subcommittee (phase 1), Alignment and Integration Committee, besides being a member of the Institutes Ethics Committee Human Research, Courses Committee, and Departmental Research Committee at the Faculty of Medical Sciences, Delhi University.Dr. Khaliq is the coordinator of various extracurricular activities at her institute and plays an active role in mentoring students. Her interest in academics comes from her parents, who were both academicians. She credits her late father who always motivated her to excel and her husband for his constant support. References/Sources:

RBTC Madhya Pradesh Honoree. JAMAL AKHTAR . Professor of Psychology. Government PG College. Bhopal, M.P.  Click side arrow for profile details

DELVING DEEPER INTO POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY Dr. Jamal Akhtar is a distinguished senior Professor of Psychology with a formidable reputation working at Government MLB Girls PG College, Bhopal. With decades of experience in research and teaching courses at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, Dr. Akhtar has established herself as a prominent figure in the field. She is also recognized as a professional life skills trainer, contributing her expertise to various institutes and academies.Having successfully supervised numerous BA Dissertations, MA Dissertations, and Ph.D. Theses, Dr. Akhtar showcases her dedication to guiding and nurturing the academic growth of her students. Her scholarly contributions extend to publishing several articles in peer-reviewed journals, reflecting her commitment to advancing the field of psychology. Dr. Akhtar serves as a research guide, further cementing her role as a mentor to aspiring researchers. One area of interest to her is  enhancing understanding and insights into various dimensions of the concept of positive psychology with the belief that a psychology of positive human functioning will achieve a scientific understanding and effective interventions to build thriving individuals, families, and communities. Positive psychologists seek to find and nurture genius and talent and to make normal life more fulfilling.References/Sourceshttps://www.worldwidejournals.com/indian-journal-of-applied-research-(IJAR)/recent_issues_pdf/2018/January/January_2018_1514795702__157.pdf

RBTC Madhya Pradesh Honoree. NASREEN SIDDIQUI ex-Principal and Professor of Botany. Department of  Higher Education of  Madhya Pradesh Government, Bhopal. M.P. Click side arrow for profile details.

SCHOLARSHIP IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
Dr. Nasreen Siddiqui is an illustrious name in the field of higher education in Madhya Pradesh with over four decades of experience in the field. Joining through the MP Public Service Commission, Nasreen worked at various colleges across Madhya Pradesh. She is retired as Principal of Geetanjali Girls Autonomous College, Bhopal. Nasreen has a PhD and her areas of work and expertise include Botany, Environmental Sciences, Biotechnology and Microbiology. 
In addition to being an outstanding mentor to her students, Dr. Siddiqui has been dedicated in her endeavors to impart knowledge and skills. She supervised numerous PhD candidates as guide and has co–authored 25 books in her areas of expertise, being an active contributor of Hindi Granth Academy since 1997. Most of her books have been integrated into BSc. curriculum across various universities. Dr. Siddiqui was jointly awarded Shankar Dayal Sharma Award (2010) for her exceptional contributions in her field. She was also awarded fellowship of Indian Botanical Society. 
In addition to the above achievements, Dr. Siddiqui has been an incessant part of numerous institutes of national importance such as National Translation Mission of Mysore, Regional Museum of Natural History, Biodiversity board, RCVP Noronhna Academy, MP, Bhoj University Bhopal and has been providing her expertise for various autonomous colleges in M.P and other recognizable organizations. She has presented papers across India and has also represented India Internationally (Fordham University New York, 2013). In the spirit of constantly excelling in her field, she has attended & contributed to hundreds of workshops and conferences . She has also actively conducted various surveys of exotic plants of Bhopal. She is a Life member of Indian Science Congress and a regular member of Wetland Mitra Society. Outside her academic work, Dr. Siddiqui is an environmentalist and a sustainability enthusiast. She has also conducted Green Field walks to enhance knowledge about plants for fellow Bhopalis. She enjoys putting together mini terrariums and always finds ways to encourage young kids get closer to nature!
References/Sources

RBTC Madhya Pradesh Honoree.  PAIKER NASIR. Faculty at National Judicial Academy., Bhopal, M.P. Click side arrow for profile details.

EXPERTISE IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEMS
Paiker Nasir is a lawyer and has been working as a faculty at the National Judicial Academy (NJA)  at Bhopal since 2015. Prior to this, she worked at Global Lawyers, Advocates and Solicitors, in the capacity of a Senior Associate, where she handled consumer and civil cases and Due Diligence work. Paiker completed her B.A.LLB (Hons) from National Law Institute University, Bhopal in 2006. 
Paiker joined the NGO, Sudhar Samiti under the project of Sir Doarabji Tata Trust, on Social Work in Criminal Justice System where initially she worked as a Program Officer but later took on leadership role an Executive Director cum Faculty. As overall in-charge of Sudhar project for three years 2010-2013, Paiker undertook the programmatic and administrative work, designed, and conducted research work in Criminal Justice System. During her stay with Sudhar, she has also worked for Providing Legal Aid Support, family support and rehabilitation support services to the prisoners at various prisons in Madhya Pradesh. As Faculty at Sudhar, she also took lectures of the trainees in Criminal Law for the certificate course on “Social Work Intervention in Criminal Justice System.”  Ms. Nasir also has experience of working with the Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative in the capacity of Program Officer – Prison Reforms and handled issues pertaining to the undertrial of prisoners.
Ms. Nasir has worked with NJA earlier, in the capacity of a Law Associate, 2007-2008. During her tenure at NJA she conducted research on aspects of court and case management in the Informal Committee constituted by the Supreme Court of India for suggesting practical measures to the Court and Case-Flow Management in India. She coordinated the Orientation Programs for Newly Appointed Additional District Judges and served as one of the web-managers for the NJA website. Ms. Nasir, did her internships and clerkship at the Supreme Court of India, National Human Rights Commission and District & Sessions Court, Bhopal. She is the author of the publication on Judicial Approach Towards Right to Education- National Judicial Academy of India, Study Material for a 2007 Seminar on “Justice & Poverty: Challenges & Responsibilities of Judging”. 
References/Sources

RBTC Madhya Pradesh Honoree. SEEME MAHMOOD. Associate Professor at the Department of English, Government Institute for Excellence in Higher Education, Bhopal. M.P. Click side arrow for profile details. 

SHINING IN TEACHING, RESEARCH & SERVICE
Dr. Seeme Mahmood topper in MA English in the year 1990 from Barkatullah University, Bhopal is currently an Associate Professor at the Department of English, Government Institute for Excellence in Higher Education, Bhopal. 
During her over three decades of teaching experience Dr Seeme has worked  in a range of job positions from being a primary school teacher to lecturer, Assistant Professor, and now Associate Professor.  Dr. Seeme started her career as a schoolteacher, followed by lectureship in a Government Senior Secondary School, in Gohar Ganj, Raisen. She was then selected through Public Service Commission in 1994 for the post of Assistant Professor in English in Government MVM College.  Dr. Mahmood received the State Award for ‘Best Electoral Practices -2021’ from the Election Commission of  Madhya Pradesh during her two-year tenure at the MP Election Commission.
Dr Mahmood has published more than 48 research papers in reputable national and international journals and has attended & presented research papers at more than 50 national and 20 International conferences. Several candidates have been conferred Ph.D. under her supervision and presently eight more students are pursuing Ph.D. under her guidance. As a resource person, Seeme has developed a language module for government officials at RCVP Narohna Academy, Bhopal, and also delivered regular lectures to Government officials , as well as virtual classes, organized by at RCVP Narohna Academy Bhopal. She has also authored a book on Translation Studies for Bachelor of Arts Students published by M.P. Hindi Granth Academy. 
Seeme is a member of the Validation Board of Content Writers for MP Higher Education, Bhopal. She is also a member of the Central Board of Studies in English at Barkatullah University and BSSS College, Bhopal. Seema was nominated member of M.P Women and Child Care department for three years. 
References/Links

RBTC Madhya Pradesh Honoree, SHAMA NIYAZI, Professor of English Literature & Documentary film maker.   M L B  Government Girls P G College, Bhopal, M.P.  Click side arrow for profile details.

EMINENT EDUCATIONIST & DOCUMENTARY FILM MAKER
Dr. Shama Niyazi, is Professor of English Literature at MLB College Bhopal. She  is not only an eminent educationist, but also a documentary film maker and translator.  Dr. Niyazi has worked as  script writer and programme anchor at Doordarshan and All India Radio. At Doordarshan she presented the programs Falak, Vikas, and Urdu program ‘Bazm’. She has scripted and made films for UGC channel on Kaif Bhopali, Basheer Badar, Lakes of Bhopal, Gauhar Manzil, and others. At All India Radio her discussions  are mainly concerned with women related issues, their upliftment and empowerment.  
Dr. Niyazi has delivered numerous lectures to Universities and many institutions of academic excellence. She holds the position of subject expert in interview boards and selection committees of the state and the central Government organizations. Dr. Niyazi works for the British Council and is associated with Cambridge University. She  has been a subject expert and participated actively in many workshops including Regional colleges and  Central Universities like Kashmir University. CRISP, and many more. She compiled the book SWEEP for the Election Commission. In 2005 when the Prime Minister High Level Committee known as Sachar Committee, visited Madhya Pradesh, she was invited to discuss  the socio -economic condition of Muslim minority in the State.
Shama is a bilingual translator of many short stories books and film scripts; worth mention is a Door Darshan  film 'Zohaib'  'translated for a German Film Festival. Besides, her translations of books of the Central Institute of Vocational Education Bhopal  and 'Khana Khazana' by chef Sanjeev Kapoor have been highly appreciated. Dr. Niyazi's devotion towards the mission of rehabilitation of young widows during COVID, her counselling to young girls before and after marriage, her ceaseless device among the tuberculosis patients and her awareness campaigns for AIDS has been recognized. Dr. Niyazi is the Vice President of Justice MSA Siddiqui Educational Foundation and is devoted to work for the upliftment of poor and underserved students. Her vision is to transcend the regional, lingual boundaries and empower women  through education. 
References/Sources

Impassioned Authors & Poets 

RBTC Madhya Pradesh Honoree. AMBER ABID. Poetess, Author & Teacher, Campion School, Bhopal, M.P. Click side arrow for profile details. 

JO HO AMBER [JEWEL] SA   
Dr. Amber Abid is a poetess, author, and teacher.  She knows the art of conveying her message to her readers through poetry in a gentle manner. Amber has a legacy of poetry, and her mother Mohtarma Mumtaz Siddiqui was also a well-known poetess and author. She also writes in the color of famous poet Parveen Shakir. Amber has a masters and PhD in Urdu,  a masters in Hindi and a bachelors in education, B.Ed. She teaches both Hindi and Urdu at Campion School, Bhopal and is very proficient in both languages. 
Amber has recited her poetry to national and international audiences as mushairas, poetry readings and Urdu Academy.  Some of the poetry platforms where she has participated include, International Poetry in  Doha Qatar 27-09-19; All India Mushaira Urdu Academy, 2017;   All India Poetry 2018 Madhya Pradesh Urdu Academy Bhopal; All India Poetry MP Urdu Academy Celebration of Urdu 2019; All India Mushaira + Kavi Samilan 2019;  Uttar Pradesh Urdu Academy; 2019 Poetry Jamia Millia Islamia University; 2019 mushaira  Hamdard University Delhi;  2022 Mushaira Shairat called ‘Chilman’ organized by M.P Urdu Academy. 
Besides her contribution as poet Amber has also been an anchor at seminars such as 2022 National Seminar on 'Urdu  par doosri  Zubanon ka asar' organized by MP Urdu Academy;  and in Mushaira e Shairat, chilman Jashne Urdu 2021-22 nizamat also. Amber has been writing and reading scientific, literary, personal and research articles for the national channel of Akashwani Bhopal Radio.
“ pahle dil saleT kī mānind huā karte thenarm saaf aur shaffāfaaj dil kāġhaz kī mānind halke ho ga.e haiñun par likhā miTtā to hai par baaqī rah jaate haiñ chand nishān jo kabhī nahīñ miTte, kabhī bhī nahīñ…….” 
From nazm ‘saleT’ by Amber Abid
 References/Sources

RBTC Madhya Pradesh Honoree. ANJUM REHBAR. Poet, Shayara. Urdu and Hindi. Awardee Hindi Sahitya Sammelan Award. Guna, M.P. Click side arrow for profile details. 

CELEBRATED URDU & HINDI POETAnjum Rehbar is a celebrated poet writing in Urdu and Hindi. She was born in Guna district Madhya Pradesh, lives now in Bhopal. Anjum completed her post-graduate studies in Urdu Literature and began participating in Mushairas and Kavi sammelans in 1977. She has recited for several national television channels including ABP News, SAB TV, Sony Pal, ETV Network, DD Urdu. In recent years, she has appeared in Wah! Wah! Kya Baat Hai! on SAB TV.Anjum was also invited at the Kapil Sharma show at Holi special 2019 whereby she mesmerized the audience by her magnetic poetry. Ms. Rehbar published a compilation of her poetry in a book named ‘Malmal Kacche Rangon Ki’ in 2018. Her ghazals are shared and appreciated on Urdu platforms such as Rekhta. In recognition to her contributions to Hindi literature, Ms. Rehbar has received several awards Indira Gandhi Award 1986, Ram-Rikh Manhar Award, Sahitya Bharti Award, Hindi Sahitya Sammelan Award, Akhil Bhartiya Kavivar Vidyapeeth Award, Dainik Bhaskar Award, Chitransh Fiqar Gorakhpuri Award, Guna ka Gaurav Award.References/Sourceshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anjum_Rehbarhttps://www.instagram.com/anjumrehbarofficial/?hl=en

 RBTC Madhya Pradesh Honoree. GHOUSIYA KHAN SABEEN. Writer, Poet, Assistant Professor Education. Bhopal School of Social Sciences. Bhopal, M.P. Click side arrow for profile details. 

AN EMPATHETIC POET, WRITER & INTERNATIONAL RADIO PRESENTER 
Ghousiya Khan Sabeen is a well-known Urdu poet based in Bhopal. Ghousiya has written ghazals, nazms, stories and articles in Hindi and Urdu literature. She has made her mark in all genres, and has published stories, articles and ghazals in newspapers and magazines of India and abroad. She is also an international radio announcer with Asian Radio Live London. 
Ms. Sabeen has been awarded with many National and International honors over the last decade. Some of these include Kahkashane Adab Bhopal in 2016, Wahid Premi Samman given by Khushboo Educational Society in 2018, Bazm e Nadiul Hadi awarded from Telangana in 2018, Best Radio Presenter in 2019 by Heera Foundation Toronto, Canada. She was also awarded the Gold Medal and Trophy for the International Radio Presenter in the program conducted in America in 2019 and  the Sahitya Prabha Samman on behalf of Prabhat Sahitya. Recently in 2023 Ghousiya received the Shan e Bhopal award for her work.
Ghousiya is currently working with prestigious Bhopal School of Social Sciences as Assistant Professor. She has an MA in Fine Arts, Urdu Literature, & Persian, and is pursuing her PhD in Fine Arts. 
“ abhī dekhī kahāñ haiñ aap ne sab ḳhūbiyāñ merīnigāheñ DhūñDhtī haiñ aap kī bas ḳhāmiyāñ merī……'sabeen' aksar maiñ dastarḳhavāñ se uTh jaatī huuñ bin khaa.ekisī bhūke ke kaam aa jaa.eñ shāyad roTiyāñ merī “
                                                                -Ghousiya Khan Sabeen
References/Sources

RBTC Madhya Pradesh Honoree. MEHRUNNISA PARVEZ. Novelist & Short Story Writer. Recipient of Padmashri for contributions to Indian Literature (2005).  Bhopal, M.P. Click side arrow for profiles details. 

AWARD WINNING NOVELIST & SHORT STORY WRITERPadma Shri Mehrunnisa Pervez is a prominent Hindi novelist and story writer of India. She was born in 1944 and published her first story in 1963 in Dharamayug Hindi magazine. Mehrunnisa has authored several short stories and novels in Hindi. Amma, published in 1967 and Samara, released in 1969 are two of her notable works. Besides, she has also published several short story anthologies. Her works have been the subject of academic studies & research. Her stories focus on tribals, women issues and challenges, and problems of common people. Some of her prominent works include Ankjhon ki Dehleez, Akela Palaash, Adam aur Hauwa, Tehniyon per Dhoop, Ayoudhya se Waapsi, Ek aur Sailaab, Pasang, Meri Bastar Ki Kahaniyan.  The Government of India awarded her the fourth highest civilian honor of the Padma Shri in 2005, for her contributions to Indian literature. She has received many awards in the field of Literature including Sahitya Bhushan Award (1995), Maharaja Veer Singh ji Dev Puruskar (1980), Subhadra Kumari Chauhaan Puruskar (1995).  References/Linkshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mehrunnisa_Parvez

RBTC Madhya Pradesh Honoree. NUSRAT MEHDIDirector, Madhya Pradesh Urdu Academy, Department of Culture. Awarded Honorary Doctorate from Ashcroft University (UK). Hometown: Bhopal.M.P. Click side arrow for profile details. 

POET & PASSIONATE PROMOTER OF URDU  Dr. Nusrat Mehdi is Director, Madhya Pradesh Urdu Academy, Department of Culture at Bhopal. Earlier, Dr. Mehdi was the Secretary of Madhya Pradesh Urdu Academy. She enhanced the prestige of the academy with her astute managerial skills. She led in the celebration of Urdu Week which helped in popularizing the language and literature. She has held several important positions including former Deputy Director, Allama Iqbal Literary Center, Department of Culture, Madhya Pradesh, National Council for the Promotion of Urdu Language, Former Member of the Executive Board of National Book Trust, New Delhi, Former member of the Advisory Council of India, CCRT Ministry of Culture, Member of the Urdu Panel of Delhi, Former Chief Executive Officer, Madhya Pradesh Waqf Board, Former Executive Officer, State Hajj Committee. Nusrat been actively involved in international seminars, Urdu conventions, workshops, having traveled to the United States, England, Dubai, Saudi Arabia, and other countries.In her poetry, Dr. Mehdi has molded the bitterness, anarchy, and protest of society into an animate sculpture. In her harmonious verses, even the bitterest of truths are expressed in the sweetest tone. Besides poetry, she also writes stories, articles, and drama scripts. Her works of poetry include, Saya Saya Dhuup, Abla-Paa, Main Bhi To Hun (Devanagari), Ghar Aane Ko Hai, Hisar-e-Zaat Se Pare, and Farhad Nahin Hone Ke. Her prose works are, 1857 Ki Jang-e-Azadi, and Intikhab-e-Sukhan.Nusrat has received many national and international level awards, including "International Performance Award" by Urdu Center International Los Angeles, USA (2018); the Most Promising Poets and Writers in India Award, from the International Chamber of Media,  Sumran Geet Aizaz 2017, from Sumran Sahtik Sanstha, Bhopal among others. Nusrat graduated from Meerut University. She has a master’s in three languages Urdu, Hindi and English, Her PhD is in Sufism and Advaita, with special reference to Adi Shankaracharya and Rumi. she has also been awarded an honorary doctorate by Ashcroft University, London (UK).References/Sourceshttps://www.rekhta.org/poets/nusrat-mehdi/profile

RBTC Madhya Pradesh Honoree. RAZIYA HAMID.  Author, Legacy Documenter.  Recipient of the Maulana Abul Qalam Azad award for education, culture, and literature. Bhopal. Click side arrow for profile details 

A LIFETIME DEDICATED TO URDU WRITING & LITERATURE  Dr Raziya Hamid, born on 1 September 1947 in Bhopal, is an award-winning Urdu writer and editor of  the Urdu quarterly Fikr-o-Aagahi.  She is fluent in Arabic, Urdu and Hindi and is an author of several books on a range of subjects including on her hometown Bhopal, called Nazr-e-Bhopal in Urdu which she herself translated into Hindi called Bhopal Darpan. Dr. Hamid has done research on the Begums of Bhopal and authored several books on them including on Nawab Shahjahan Begum (2015) and Shah Jahan Begum (2011). Another series of books by Dr. Hamid are on Aligarh such as her recent one, Aligarh Tahrik (2021) and on Sir Syed Ahmed Khan. Dr. Hamid completed her PhD in Arabic from Bhopal. She also has a double master’s both in Arabic and Urdu from Delhi. Raziya is one of five sisters and interestingly all of them have a PhD in different subjects, a rare accomplishment. Raziya gives credit to her father for supporting women’s education. She is also inspired by Nawab Sultan Jahan Begum of Bhopal who ruled between 1901-1926 and was a great supporter of women’s education.   Raziya moved from Bhopal to Delhi and in 1980 and started the Urdu magazine Fikr-o-Aagahi when her children went to school, and she had free time. She put in her own funds and credits her husband for his support to her initiative. The magazine grew and she got recognized for her journalist editorial talent. Dr. Raziya has received a lot of awards in her life but considers the Maulana Abul Kalam Azad award from her home state government of Madhya Pradesh and the Khalid Abidi National Award besides others from Ghalib Academy and others. Research thesis and papers such as “Dr. Razia Hamid: A literary Review” have been published in critical Urdu Research and Critical Inquiry Journals such as Dareecha-e-Tahreeq in September 2021. Raziya continues with her reading even now and is studying calligraphy techniques in different countries. References/Sources

Making an Impact through Media 

RBTC Madhya Pradesh Honoree. ASMA RAFAT,  Journalist. Former Media Fellow, DARC. New Delhi. Hometown: Bhopal, M.P. Click side arrow for profile details. 

JOURNALIST BY CHOICE, POET BY CHANCEAsma Rafat is a multimedia journalist and podcaster based out of New Delhi who focuses on Gender, Social Justice, and Health. Asma, who grew up and studied in Bhopal, has previously worked with The Times of India, Times Internet, Channel News Asia (ANI) and The Free Press Journal, where she has mostly written, made videos and recorded podcasts on gender, social justice, culture, and business. Asma has appeared on international radio shows, giving interviews/talks on gender and social justice. Asma was a media fellow at the Delhi Assembly Research Centre (DARC).In 2014, Asma decided to follow her desire to become a film director. She assisted the director on the Hindi feature film Hogaya Dimaagh Ka Dahi and ended up editing the entire movie. She headed the social media team (ground and online) for movie promotion and assisted in running election campaigns for local political parties. But in 2016, Asma returned to writing and took on the roles of publisher and editor for the magazine "Mumbai on Wheels," a monthly directory focused on the city of Mumbai. She considers this venture a milestone in her career.Poetry, for Asma, is a means of catharsis, and for introverts, she believes it is a powerful tool of self-expression. Her grandfather was the first to inspire her to write. She learned to write Urdu from him at a very young age, and her love for Urdu has only grown. Asma launched a merchandise brand 'I AM URDU' with the aim of promoting the Urdu language among a wider audience. Her goal was to simplify Urdu, making it more accessible for people to understand, relate to, and use in their everyday lives. Asma co-owns Café Karvaan in Jamia Nagar, New Delhi. It’s an open terrace café with a lounge where people can munch, read books, and seek intellectual stimulation. The theme of the café is to change how people look at ghettos.Asma has a master’s degree in journalism from Jamia Millia Islamia's AJK Mass Communication Research Center, New Delhi and a bachelor’s degree in commerce from Saifia College, Barkatullah University, Bhopal.  References/ Sources

RBTC Madhya Pradesh Honoree. FARHA ANWAR. Celebrity Anchor, Femina's Most Powerful 2019. Hometown: Bhopal. M.P. Click side arrow for profile details. 

MAKING A MARK AT INTERNATIONAL PEGEANTS
Farha Anwar, was featured in  Femina's Most Powerful list in 2019 for her multiple accomplishments. Farah won the crown of Mrs. Asia 2018 and Mrs. India 2016, starting her journey with her victory in the Mrs. Pune 2016 pageant. Her remarkable accomplishment of coveted Mrs. Asia 2018 crown took her to the international stage, and she attained the first runner-up position at the Mrs. United Nation 2018 competition held in Toronto, Canada.
Presently, Farha has introduced her very own television show, "Tiara Talks with Farha," which airs on Woman TV, as well as "Queeny Talks" on Instagram. As a seasoned pageant veteran, anchor, and humanitarian, she exudes positivity and encourages others to elevate their spirits. 
Farha's multi-faceted career includes being an esteemed anchor, influencer, and even gracing the runway as a Show Stopper for prestigious brands like Jaguar, Reliance Trends, Vardhaman Woolens, and Grehlaxmi Magazine. Her accomplishments further extended to being featured in DIVA's international magazine, launched during the International Dance Festival in Dubai  in 2018. She established connections with prominent brands and emerged as a sought-after choice for hosting corporate events, weddings, page 3 soirées, and international concerts.
Hailing from the picturesque city of lakes, Bhopal, Farha is a distinguished alumnus of Sri Balaji Society, and holds an MBA degree. She has a decade of corporate experience, holding senior-level positions.  She is involved in the business development aspect of her husband’s night club business in Pune, wherein she is responsible for marketing the venue to corporates and clubs. Farha says she has the most supportive parents, Ahtesham and Saira Anwar. She considers her closest friends and family as her biggest support system and is inspired and motivated to take the next leap from this close-knit circle.  
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 RBTC Madhya Pradesh Honoree. RUBINA KHAN SHAPOO.  Former-Bureau Head NDTV Bhopal,  Health Coach. New Jersey, USA. Home Town: Bhopal M.P.  Click side arrow for profile details

INSPIRING STORY OF REINVENTING AND RESILIENCE Rubina Khan Shapoo worked with NDTV for twenty years and rose to head the Madhya Pradesh Bureau in Central India at Bhopal. Rubina wanted to join the nonprofit sector and work for marginalized communities, but destiny had a different road map planned for her. She went to meet a journalist friend who was working with a premier English broadcasting company, NDTV at that time, to discuss if there are any non-profits that she could join, Instead, her friend asked her to go for an interview right away, as the company was hiring production assistants. Rubina went for the interview and got the job. Every day brought new challenges and along with it came opportunities to learn something new. Rubina got her stories in crowded buses and bustling trains. She reported untold stories of hungry children, missing daughters killed for being born in the wrong gender. Stories of India’s girls being teased and harassed, Delhi's distressed daughters, corrupt politicians, failing systems and so on. Her story Birthing Against all Odds, on maternal mortality, a joint venture between NDTV and Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, won a UNDP Silver award. Rubina gives credit to her mom for her legacy of not giving up. Her mother stood up to the conservative Muslim community of her village, for the education of her daughters. Education was a son’s privilege. She rebelled as she had big dreams for her daughters too! She walked away from the ancestral money, richness, and comfort. And her rebellion paid off. Her daughters and their progeny are educators, doctors, and journalists today. Rubina made it to the top college of Delhi University, Miranda House, where she completed her graduate studies. Rubina’s daughter Myrrah’s cancer journey brought the family to the USA . Here she decided to reinvent herself to help people heal themselves. Rubina pursued a course at the Institute of Integrative Nutrition and  is a certified health coach and inspires her clients to live holistically, which involves the body, mind, and spirit and is dedicated to help reverse diabetes. References/Sources

 RBTC Madhya Pradesh Honoree. SALMA SULTAN. Television Journalist & Director. Home Town: Sultanpur, M.P. Click side arrow for profile details. 

A LEGENDARY NEWS ANCHOR OF INDIA 
Salma Sultan worked as a news reader at India’s foremost public service broadcaster, Doordarshan, from 1967 to 1997 and made a significant mark in the industry. Sultan's distinct style, characterised by a rose tucked under her left ear and draping her saree border around her neck, became a trendsetter and was adopted by many women newsreaders.
Ms. Sultan completed her schooling from Sultanpur and graduation in Bhopal and pursued post-graduation in English from Indraprastha College for Women, Delhi. At the age of 23, she auditioned for an announcer position at Doordarshan, setting the stage for her illustrious career.
Following her retirement, Salma Sultan embraced directing television serials focusing on social issues for Doordarshan through her production company, Lensview Private Limited. Her television serials, including ‘Panchtantra Se,’ ‘Suno Kahani,’ ‘Swar Mere Tumhare,’ and ‘Jalte Sawal,’ garnered attention. Notably, ‘Panchantra Se’ aired shortly after "Mahabharata" in 1989 and received acclaim. ‘Jalte Sawal,’ a serial addressing women's issues, was broadcasted weekly on DD News in 2004.
Salma Sultan is also keen on promoting the traditional Indian culture of Saree. She owns a clothing brand with the name, Saree Sanskriti. She herself is very famous for her sartorial style, which lives on in the memory of viewers decades later. Salma believes that millennials do not have any problem wearing the saree, it is all about ensuring that they have confidence. When confidence is there you can pull off any attire. Salma Sultan graced the ramp at the age of 72 for Saree Sanskriti to promote the traditional Indian attire. Salma Sultan’s late elder sister, Maimoona Sultan, an inspiration for women in politics, was a four-time Congress Member of Parliament from Bhopal. 
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RBTC Madhya Pradesh Honoree. SAMEENA ALI SIDDIQUI. TV Anchor and Associate Executive Producer for Rajya Sabha TV, Doordarshan, and Lok Sabha TV, Radio Jockey of India’s first FM Radio Chanel - FM 102.6 mghz, Delhi. Hometown: Bhopal ,M.P.  Click side arrow for profile details. 

VERSITILE MEDIA ANCHOR,SCRIPT WRITER, HOST & PRODUCERSameena Ali’s media journey started in childhood as a radio child artist. In 1989, Sameena joined All India Radio Bhopal as a casual announcer for Vividh Bharti. In 1993, Doordarshan Bhopal was inaugurated and she was one of the initial Hindi news anchors of Doordarshan. In 1994, Sameena’s media journey in Delhi started as a Hindi news anchor in Doordarshan, Delhi. Sameena Ali has worked as senior Anchor (Hindi) and Associate Executive Producer at Rajya Sabha TV, Delhi, anchoring the show Shakhsiyat, based on music, dance, folk, and literature-related personalities. Sameena has been a part of interviewing not only the renowned personalities related to music and literature but also has 70 documentaries as a feather in her cap, which range from areas widespread from inside Kashmir to the outback of Kanyakumari. Bold topics such as minority issues focus on the Muslim community and their endless struggle for livelihood as well as the report on the village of Dardpura also known as the widow’s village which was destroyed during the times of 1993 militancy touched the hearts of all. Being a female anchor she is the first to cover reports extensively on Rajya Sabha TV (the channel which represents the Upper House of the Indian Parliament). With her relentless determination, she has handled very delicately various sensitive topics such as child trafficking and child marriage. She has effectively portrayed other topics which include Transgender issues, Manual Scavengers, Ancient Soliga Tribe, Chikankari, Banaras ke Bunkar, Female Trafficking in Haryana, MP, Rajasthan, and Gujrat, Dal Lake, and Banaras ghat, etc. She has also worked with Lok Sabha TV, Doordarshan News, DD National Programme, Zee News, Voice Caster A.I.R. F.M. Rainbow, National Geographic Channel, History Channel, UTV, and many Hollywood dubbed movies. She has also compared numerous literary, cultural & award functions and Public receptions of Dignitaries like the Prime Minister, President, and Chief Ministers of India organized by the Central Govt, MP Govt & Reputed NGOs & Organizations in Delhi & Bhopal. She has scripted, narrated, interviewed, produced & anchored programs for RSTV that are - Silsila, and Vimarsh. Special Report, Special programs on Pt. Ravi Shankar, Devanad, Ghalib, Holi & no of stories for Prime Time News & India Naama. She has also visited many colleges & media institutions as a Guest Faculty sharing her valuable experiences of Radio/TV. Hundreds of articles on her performances have been acknowledged and published by National Newspapers in English, Urdu, Hindi & Punjabi Print Media, and have interviewed her as well. She has presented various programs on AIR FM RAINBOW INDIA, to name a few are Adaab, Adaab Arz Hai, Manoranjan F.M. Style, Post Box – 503, Namaskar Dilli, Saare Gaama, Gaane Purane, Geet Apke Naam Se, Geet Mere Naam Se, Noon Show, Women Special, Noon Show Film Special, Matinee Maza, Ek Aur Ek Gyarah, Movie Magic, etc. Her crowning accomplishments were also on the Rajya Sabha channel as she was duly appraised for her work by being presented with several awards including the Rashtra Bhasha Media Samman by Parliamentary Hindi Council in 2013, Indian Council for United Nation Relation Award 2015, India Excellence Award by Bharat Nirman, SHE award by Global Development Foundation, etc. It is worth mentioning here that her husband and family have always been the support that acted as her strength to never back down from a challenge. Sameena is an example of how a family’s support can help a woman not only aim for but also reach the stars. References/Sources:

Strides in Business Sector 

RBTC Madhya Pradesh Honoree. FARHA SAULAT. Director EduNow Consultants. Dehradun.  Home Town: Bhopal, M.P.  Click side arrow for profile details. 

SCHOOL EDUCATION LEADERSHIP EXPERT 
Farha Saulat an accomplished education specialist and advisor, is Director at EduNow Consultants, where she oversees a team of dedicated education specialists and professionals committed to delivering top-tier educational solutions to India's premier schools. Farha is a school leadership expert and advisor, delivering bespoke human resource solutions to top schools of Asia. She curates and delivers professional development programmes and headhunts school leadership for over 100 schools. 
Farha has an extensive career spanning more than two decades in school leadership and management. Her rich experience includes the successful stewardship of multiple schools and the spearheading of education reform initiatives and innovative pedagogical approaches.  She has worked earlier with The Hearth Advisers, a leading global consulting firm  with their office in New Delhi and with The Packet Collegiate Institute in New York and served as Headmistress of The Asian School at Dehradun and Head of Bal Bhavan Junior School at Bhopal between 2003 to 2011. 
Farha holds a Masters in School Leadership from the esteemed Teachers’ College of Columbia University in New York. She also has a masters from Jawaharlal Nehru College, Bhopal University and holds a distinguished position as a state rank holder for her master’s in education from Malhotra College, Bhopal. 
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RBTC Madhya Pradesh Honoree. FIROZA BANO, Founder Chairperson of The Raj Laxmi Mahila Urban Cooperative Bank Ltd.  Only Muslim woman to hold the post of chairperson and to establish a Cooperative Bank  in 1996. Home Town: Alumni of Hamidia College, Bhopal Click side arrow for profile details. 

VISIONARY LEADERSHIP IN WOMEN'S FINANCIAL EMPOWERMENT
Firoza Bano, born on 14 January 1949 in Bhopal, is the Founding Chairperson of The Raj Laxmi Mahila Urban Cooperative Bank Ltd. She holds the distinction of being the sole Muslim woman chairperson of this bank, established in 1996.
Formerly a university lecturer, Dr. Firoza Bano embraced her higher calling towards societal welfare and the upliftment of marginalised individuals, leading her to take voluntary retirement from her teaching position in 1991. Identifying the most vulnerable segments of society, she recognized that women were often among the most disadvantaged. With a vision of empowering women through financial means, she conceptualized the idea of establishing a women-centric bank that could offer loans, financial management resources, and secure deposit facilities. Driven by the belief that financial independence would bolster homemakers, artisans, and small-scale industrialists, she embarked on the path to bring her vision to life.
In 1994, she embarked on the process of obtaining the necessary licence from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to establish the bank. Despite numerous challenges, including extensive groundwork and meticulous planning, Firoza Bano's perseverance paid off. With the support of 2000 shareholders and an initial share capital of 20 lakhs, the inaugural branch of Raj Laxmi Mahila Urban Co-operative Bank Ltd. was inaugurated on 6th March 1996. In just 18 years, the bank transformed into a formidable force, offering countless women a platform to achieve financial independence and autonomy. The bank's total deposits surpassed a staggering 40 crore.
Firoza's commitment to empowerment isn't limited to banking. In her earlier years, she was elected as the President of the Students Union at Hamidia College, Bhopal, serving from 1967 to 1970.
Dr. Firoza Bano also serves as the Executive Editor for the bilingual magazine 'All Rights'. An advocate for women's empowerment, she has traversed the globe, sharing her profound insights on how India's women can receive enhanced financial backing.
Sources/References- Check reference

RBTC Madhya Pradesh Nominee. FURHAT ROOHI, Additional General Manager BHEL, Consultant Obstetrics & Gynecology, Jhansi. Hometown: Bhopal, MP. Click side arrow for profile details.  

CLINICIAN, SURGEON & ADMINISTRATOR IN PUBLIC SECTORDr Furhat Roohi  is working  as Additional General Manager at BHEL, a prominent Public Sector Company, heading the BHEL Hospital at Jhansi. Dr. Roohi is a Senior Obstetrics and Gynecology Consultant.  She is an expert clinician surgeon and administrator, under whose guidance  BHEL hospital was awarded many certifications.Dr. Roohi is an alumna of Gandhi Medical College Bhopal of 1983 Batch. She joined the BHEL Kasturba Hospital Bhopal in 1992 and moved to the Jhansi Hospital in 1995. Furhat also heads the Women in Public Sector (WIPS) Jhansi Forum and is an active member in Federation of Obstetrical and Gynecological Societies of India (FOGSI) Jhansi Chapter.Dr. Roohi's remarkable expertise in the field of Obstetrics & Gynecology is attested by her patients, who have experienced her gentle demeanour and comprehensive knowledge firsthand. Notably recognized for her affable and supportive nature, she is known for always wearing a smile.

RBTC Madhya Pradesh Honoree GHAZAL ALVI Co-Founder & CEO at IV Technologies (P) Limited.  Contributing author to amazon international best seller. Bhopal, M.P.  Click side arrow for profile details

CEO OF HER OWN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY COMPANY Ghazal Alvi has been Co-Founder and CEO of IV Technologies Private limited which is a Private Limited Indian Non-Government Company incorporated in Bhopal, India on 30 November 2009 and has a history of over 13 years. Ghazal’s Company is engaged in the Information Technology Industry. She works with clients all over the world, her main clientele is US, Canada and Australia based. Ghazal is a digital media strategist & consultant to coaches, authors, and speakers. Her web marketing strategy experience is with core disciplines in Search Engine Optimization, Social Media, and Digital Marketing for User Engagement. Ms. Alvi has contributed twice in Amazon international best-seller "Wake Up", California based Publishing House. "Wake Up: A Woman’s Guide to Transformation, Prosperity, and Health!" [2018], Ghazal contributed to the chapter "Change, Growth and Transformation." In Amazon #1 Bestselling Anthology Book "Wake Up: Awakened Woman!" [2019], Her chapter "The Joy of Little Things" is all about her personal story regarding her specially-abled daughter, here she acknowledges that life doesn't have to be perfect to be beautiful - there are challenges, lack of resource, regular medical appointments, but at the same time there are small victories, protective siblings, amazing support networks—and, of course, the special bond between you and your gifted child that gives you the pride to watch them grow and integrate into society!Ghazal also provides counseling for parents of children with special needs. She supports families and caregivers of differently abled children who need help coping, strengthening their relationship, and learning how to take better care of their child. Ms. Alvi has also worked as Director of Social Media and Business Blogging at Crystal Andrus (The SWAT Institute, Canada).References/Sources

RBTC Madhya Pradesh Nominee KAUSAR KIDWAI. Assistant Vice President. Karkinos Healthcare. Bhopal. M.P.  Click side arrow for profile details. 

LEADING ON WOMEN WELLNESS 
Kausar Kidwai works in the field of health & education and is currently Assistant Vice President, Karkinos Healthcare, which aims to enhance access to cancer care services by creating a technology-enabled data driven platform. 
Kausar is a performance driven professional and has worked tirelessly for women’s health in her career spanning fifteen years. She has addressed the inequities in cancer prevention services for women and has enabled systems to ensure early screening and treatment for cervical cancer in Madhya Pradesh and several other states. She has represented India in Africa and South-East Asia on presenting the roadmap to support WHO’s Call to Action on Cervical Cancer Elimination 2030. She was invited as a speaker at the International Federation of Cervical Pathology and Colposcopy- World Congress session by ISCCP. Additionally, she was honored as an expert at the 10th National Conference of Asia-Oceania Research Organization in Genital Infections and Neoplasia. 
Some of Kauser’s noteworthy projects are “Har Ghar Dastak”(HGD) campaign again under the banner of UNFPA India, to sensitize community towards declining female child sex ratio. Others like Shakti Chaupals, Bhranti and Shanti were run in 400 villages and received mention in the Prime Minister’s radio speech.   
Ms. Kidwai completed her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Barkatullah University, Bhopal. She also has a master’s in public policy from Indian School of Business. Her expertise lies in driving strategy, grant management, advocacy, implementation, stakeholder management, and end-to-end operations including overall administration functions of the organization across the healthcare domain under preventive oncology in Central, North and East India. She has in-depth understanding of management of large project teams and working with Governments, private and international aid agencies. Cycling, baking, and cooking help her de-stress and she dreams of joining the Culinary Arts Academy, Switzerland at some point in life.
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 RBTC Madhya Pradesh Honoree. MAYSERAH MAZHAR,  Chartered Accountant & Educator.  Academy of Professional Training. Bhopal. Click side arrow for profile details. 

A PASSIONATE EDUCATORMayserah Mazhar, CA, CS is a practicing Chartered Accountant & an educator for chartered accountant (CA), company secretary (CS), CMA,  IAS, and other students. Ms. Mazhar works as teaching faculty at the Academy of Professional Training at Bhopal.  Ms. Mazhar has now been an educator and has been teaching and training for more than 10 years. She has taught more than 12,000 students  and is a renowned national level faculty in more than 40 cities. Her students have been performing remarkably. She serves as trainer in various government departments for officers on professional topics. Passionate about making a difference, Mayserah started making her foundation strong right from grade 11 under the supportive guidance of her parents. An alumnus of St. Mary’s Convent school, Bhopal, she  served as Vice Captain and Captain Discipline as well as  President of the school in 2012-13. Mayserah was a meritorious student throughout her academic life and participated in numerous inter school competitions bringing has laurels to her school. Following her dream and of her parents Ms. Mazhar started preparation for becoming a chartered accountant in 2013. In the very beginning of her CA journey, she lost her father, but she did not give up and continued to work hard to achieve her goal. In 2018, Mayserah cleared her CA exam at the age of only 23 years. While doing CA, she also completed her Bachelor of Commerce from Indira Gandhi Open University. Additionally, Mayserah  filled in the form for Company Secretary and  cleared all the levels in first attempt. Mayserah has been awarded a gold medal for her spectacular performance in the CS professional examination. Mayserah believes in the importance of spreading knowledge & thereby following the sunnah of the most honorable Prophet Mohammad. Apart from sharing academic knowledge Mayserah also tries to spread positivity, induce strength, love and compassion in young children preparing for various exams under her guidance.References/Sources

RBTC Madhya Pradesh Honoree. NIDA AHMED. Director of L1 Service Operations. Barclays Pune. Home Town: Bhopal  Click side arrow for profile details. 

MAKING A MARK IN GLOBAL CORPORATE BANKING SERVICE OPERATIONS  
Nida Ahmed works at Barclays at Pune where she leads  Corporate Banking L1 Service Operations within the Global Technology Service Management Team. Nida combines her passion for technology and  leading people. She is responsible for setting up the service operation function within the Corporate Bank. She has successfully built a model within the Global Technology Service Management team by challenging the status quo and driving outcomes which provide best in class services to Barclays clients and customers.
Through the inspiration instilled by her mother she pursued her career in computers and graduated as a Computer Science Engineer in 2004 from Pandit Ravi Shanker Shukla University, Durg. Nida’s successful career is an epitome of a vision that her mother had  for her daughters to be self-sufficient, which was bold at her time. Her mother  introduced the idea of financial freedom to her daughters at a very young age.   Memory is still fresh in Nida’s mind when her homemaker mother collected all her savings to get her admitted to an engineering college. It was her mother who inspired her to move out to a bigger city and look for an IT job when Nida was planning to settle for a non-IT job in her hometown due to family circumstances. Being one of the first few females within the family to leave her hometown to study and pursue a career , she has inspired many of her female cousins who today hold successful careers. 
Passionate about diversity and inclusion Nida has significantly contributed to strengthen the diversity footprint within Barclays by changing people’s mind set on the cause and developing and promoting internal diversity talent through mentoring. She is also part of Barclays Women in Leadership Alumni Group.
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RBTC Madhya Pradesh Honoree. RANA ALI.  Director with Balwas Times Print Media. Indore, M.P. Click side arrow for profile details. 

MAKING A MARK IN THE BUSINESSWORLD 
Rana Ali, a successful businesswoman, is  Director with Balwas Times Print Media Private Limited, registered with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs.  Balwas Times & Print Media Private Limited is a Private incorporated on 11 October 2012 in publishing.  Ms. Ali is currently associated with 3 companies and is director of Bareerah Impex Private Limited, Balwas Times & Print Media Private Limited, Regalia Real-Estate Private Limited. A successful businesswoman, Rana was also earlier owner of Hotel Balwas Indore and few other companies.  Ms. Ali is the first woman to obtain the degree of MBA from Aligarh Muslim University in 1976. She also has a BCom. Hons from the same institution. Rana has served in leadership positions at her alumni institution AMUOBA (Aligarh Muslim  University Alumni Association) Indore, and she has been unanimously selected recently as President of AMUOBA Madhya Pradesh. Rana is also a Member of AMU National Alumni Advisory Committee. 
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RBTC Madhya Pradesh Honoree, RUBINA KHAN,  Secretary Dynamique Educational Welfare Society & Director of KBT Nursing College and Hospital, Bhopal, M.P. Click side arrow for profile details. 

EXCELLENCE IN NURSING TRAINING CONTRIBUTING TO MEETING THE HEALTH NEEDS OF THE COUNTRY  
Rubina Khan is Director of Kusha Bhau Thakre (KBT) Nursing College and Hospital, Bhopal and has been leading and running it for over seventeen years since 2006. KBT Nursing College is a post graduate college, run by La Dynamique Educational Welfare Society and has been established as a pioneer institute for nursing education in Central India region. Rubina is the Secretary of La Dynamic Educational and Welfare Society which manages the college. KBT nursing college is recognized by Indian Nursing Council, New Delhi and Government of Madhya Pradesh and is academically affiliated to Barkatullah University, Bhopal. It was established with a vision to train students as professional nurses for meeting the health needs of the country and offers M.Sc. Nursing, B.Sc. Nursing, Auxiliary Nurse Midwifery, Psychiatric Nursing , Pediatric Nursing , and Medical Surgical Nursing and other diploma courses. 
Ms Rubina wears many hats and is also a partner in a firm ‘La Dynamic Real Estate, Private Limited’ and works as Interior designer for Arth infrastructure Construction Company. Rubina contribution in the field of social work is also noteworthy and has been nominated as the ‘First Lady’ of Rotary Club East Bhopal, for contribution to social and cultural activities. Rubina is also a part of the ‘American group writing project’. She received the ‘Teacher Excellence Award’ in 2016, in recognition of continuing dedication and excellence towards teaching. She is an Executive member of the Association of St. Joseph’s Convent ex-students of Bhopal, ‘ACES’.  Rubina completed her post-graduation in English literature………..[ from which college/university add ] 
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RBTC Madhya Pradesh Nominee ZEINIA SAMAR.  Team Leaders, Sports Science, Olympic Gold Quest, New Delhi.  Hometown: Gwalior.  M.P. Click side arrow for profile details. 

INTERNATIONAL SPORTS PHYSIOTHERAPIST 
Zeinia is leading the Sports Science department at Olympic Gold Quest, which is one of the top-most sports organisations in India supporting Olympic sports. Zeinia works on providing the best Sports Science support for the elite-level athletes by creating a World-class Sports Science team to help the athletes minimize/prevent/manage injuries, and to achieve an optimum fitness level. She is also a Doping control Officer with SDTI, WADA. Completed her graduation from Birla Institute of medical research, Gwalior in 2010 and completed post-graduation in Sports Physiotherapy (MPT) from Amity University, Noida in 2013. Additionally, she is a post-graduate in Sports Management from the Institute of Sports Sciences and Technology, Pune. She has also done FIFA sports science certification, Project management certification from IIM, Rohtak and is currently pursuing Pg. Cert. in International Sports Management from the University of London, UK. She has also contributed immensely in the field of research and her articles are published in the International Journal of Sports Science, US. Having excellent leadership skills and technical expertise in her area of work, she has carved a niche for herself in contributing massively to Indian Sports at the highest level.
For the last 10 years, Zeinia has been working actively in the field of sports in the capacity of Sports Physio & Doping Control Officer. She started her journey with Brazil International Football Academy(BIFA) and then worked with Central Reserve Police Forces(CRPF) sports teams, Sports Authority of India (SAI) with Senior National coaching camps training for RIO Olympics 2016, AIFF National Senior Women Football Team (All India Football Federation), BCCI as a Doping Control Officer, and with Sports Drug testing international (SDTI) which is Switzerland based anti-doping Organization affiliated to WADA (World Anti-doping agency). In her current role, OGQ works very closely with the Sports Authority of India and has MOUs with several federations for managing the entire Sports Science for a few Olympic Sports and the elite athletes training for the Olympics.
She has been a part of the Indian Olympic Contingent in Tokyo Olympics 2020 as a Sports Physio with shooting and wrestling teams, and has been a part of sports science team in the Asian Games 2018, Commonwealth Games 2018 and 2022, ISSF World Championships, ISSF Asian Airgun Championships, ISSF World Cups, FIFA ranking tournaments, BWF tournaments and World Championship ; and in Cricket, worked in the capacity of Doping Control Officer in numerous international tournaments including T20, ODIs, IPLs etc. With her tremendous work in Sports, Zeinia has been awarded with ‘The Nationwide Women Excellence awards 2021’ by Business Mint as an Industry Expert 2021, ‘Glory of India 2021’ in recognition of Outstanding Professional Achievement & Contribution to Indian Sports by Indian Achievers Forum, ‘Amity Alumni Achiever Award', Certificate of Appreciation by Western Command Wives Welfare Association, Certificate of Appreciation twice, byRegional President of Western Command and Zonal President of Army Wives Welfare Association(AWWA) for Social Services and medical facilities contribution to the Indian Army in 2021, felicitated by Regional Director, SAI Sonepat for Outstanding performance in 2016, appreciated on records by IG CRPF for enormous contribution as a teaching and examination faculty in 2016, invited as a Panel speaker in Times of India (TOI) ‘Global Sports Science Summit’ in 2017. Zeinia's enormous contribution to Indian sports continues to thrive. 
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Creative Contributors to the Arts  

RBTC Madhya Pradesh Honoree. ASMA ALI. Artist. Asma's Creative Embroidery. National Artisan recognized by the GOI. Bhopal. M.P. Click side arrow for profile details. 

PAINTING WITH NEEDLE & THREADS 
Asma Ali is an acclaimed artisan, who specializes in the intricate art of embroidery. Hailing from Indore and married in Bhopal, she is dedicated to preserving the dying art form of hand embroidery. Asma is a member of the prestigious Society of Embroidered Work UK and is recognized by both, the Government of Madhya Pradesh, and Government of India as a National Artisan. She has been awarded prizes, accolades, and admiration for her thread paintings, which are unique and three-dimensional, at various exhibitions throughout the country. 
An expert in the art of embroidery, Asma Ali is dedicated to imparting her knowledge on the subject to the next generation. As a guest faculty of the Centre for Research Institute and Industrial Staff Performance - a government of India undertaking - she regularly holds workshops and teaches various forms of embroidery, including drawn thread work, to students of interior and fashion design. She also organizes exhibition of her works from time to time. 
References/Sources

RBTC Madhya Pradesh Honoree. BAARAN IJLAL. Artist. Delhi. Installations exhibited in Japan, Nepal, SriLanka.  Home Town: Alumni of Saifia College, Bhopal.  Click side arrow for profile details. 

CREATIVE EXPRESSIONS THROUGH DIVERSE MEDIUMS AND TRANSFORMATIVE LISTENING
Baaraan Ijlal, a self-taught artist, is deeply intrigued by the concept of anonymity within her artistic practice, considering it a crucial element of individual freedom. Baaran pursued her Master of Arts in English Literature from Saifia College, Bhopal, in 1999. Her thematic explorations encompass evolution, migration, the human body, memory, and alienation. She expresses her ideas through diverse mediums such as painting, sound, video, light, and embroidery, often combining them in intricate installations.
Some of Baaraan’s important works include Silent Minarets, Whispering Winds, Hostile Witness, Sound Room, Birdbox, Stitched Wings and To Be Continued. Her notable installation titled "Change Room” is dedicated to promoting radical listening of unacknowledged stories shared anonymously, with the aim of sparking potential transformation. The narratives captured within this installation come from diverse sources, including nomads, individuals marginalized due to their sexual orientation, victims of caste and communal violence, and war refugees. The "Change Room" initiative has amassed an archive of over a thousand testimonials.
Baaraan Ijlal's artistic journey is highlighted by several significant exhibitions in the country and globally. Some of these include: "Seeds are Being Sown" (2020) at New Delhi, India; "Change Room" (audio installation) at University of the Arts, Tokyo, Japan (2019); at CREAR Conference, Kathmandu, Nepal (2019); Installation of "Coal Couture" at WHO headquarters during UNFCCC's 24th Conference of Parties (2018); "Bird Box'' installation at Oddbird, New Delhi, India (2017); "Silent Minarets Whispering Winds'' installation at Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport’s Terminal 2, Mumbai, India (2016);  "House of Commons" installation at Alliance Française, New Delhi, India (2014);  Exhibition of works from "Trouble with Red Is" and "Baghdad Café" series at the Women, Art & Resistance show, American Centre, New Delhi, India (2014); Exhibition of paintings titled "Queering Making I" at Gallery Engendered Space, New Delhi, India (2012). 
References & Sources

RBTC Madhya Pradesh Honoree.  NAWAB JEHAN BEGUM, International Award winning Artist. Bhopal. M.P.  Click side arrow for profile details.  

INTERNATIONAL AWARD WINNING ARTIST Nawab Jehan Begum’s signature art style is painting with the kitchen knife and using real gold in her artwork. Nawab Jehan was the first artist to experiment with using real gold in the tribal Gond Art of Madhya Pradesh and promote it on international art platforms.  She also has expertise in calligraphy art in more than 20 languages. Her wide art repertoire also includes Mandana art which is a form of tribal artwork of Madhya Pradesh. Ms. Jehan’s work is rooted in the local culture and heritage, and she takes her inspiration from staying connected to her Indian roots. Nawab Jehan Begum got her first international recognition when she got invited by Ferrari World Abu Dhabi for her Ferrari painting in year 2019. This painting, done with a kitchen knife, using 24 carat real gold has been recognized by Harvard world Records London for being the first of its kind.  Ms. Jehan’s paintings are displayed at Bhopal airport, Taj Lakefront, resorts in Maldives and Cymroza art gallery Mumbai, among others. Her painting has been bought  by art lovers  in almost every state of India and in countries like UAE, Oman, Australia,  Saudi Arabia,  Maldives,  others.  She was honored with Yodha award by Cabinet Minister of Madhya Pradesh and Mayor of Bhopal in 2022 for promoting Tribal art of Madhya Pradesh. Nawab Jehan’s creative journey began in childhood and as she grew older the world acknowledged and appreciated her art.  Nawab Jehan won many art and painting competitions during her college life. She pursued painting as her career and studied history of arts and completed her post-graduation in drawing/painting from Hamidia College Bhopal  in 2018.  Nawab Jehan Begum has done several painting exhibitions in Bhopal during 2018 and 2019. Her art exhibition at Nehru Centre, Worli, Mumbai, was appreciated and visited many Bollywood and OTT actors  including actress Anita Raj. At the Goa international art exhibition (2022) she got a chance to display her art to an international audience from all around the world . Ms. Jehan also likes to share her art by teaching skills to others.  She has been invited by Anjuman Islam school in Mumbai for an art workshop on calligraphy art and by many schools and organizations in Bhopal. References/Sources

RBTC Madhya Pradesh Honoree. RUKHSANA MOHSIN. Stylist & Designer. Founder, Pewand Studio, Bhopal.   Click side arrow for profile details

CONVERTING HER PASSION FOR DESIGN TO EMPOWER WOMEN& GIRLS Rukhsana Mohsin is the founder and owner of Pewand Studio in Bhopal which she started in 2014. Since then, Pewand has been providing a platform for women and men to enhance and work on their skills such as tailoring (cutting, stitching) embroidery (hand and machine), batua work, crochet, wall frames (often commissioned by Madhya Pradesh Tourism) embroidery others. Pewand provides a safe and secure working environment for its employees. Rukhsana ensures that her staff are constantly trained and counseled as this is important for their wellbeing.Styling and designing were Rukhsana’s childhood passion. In  the absence of tailors and boutiques, Rukhsana would sit with her four sisters and experiment with creations. The circle of life took over- marriage, raising a family, living abroad, Rukhsana nursed this passion in my heart, and finally got the chance to bring Pewand to life, when she and her family decided to move back to India. Apart from bringing her creative ideas to life, a primary motive for starting Pewand has been to help people. Rukhsana wanted to give not just through financial means, but by providing vocational training to make underprivileged girls independent. Its never too late to give wings to your passion. Ms. Mohsin is passionate about serving her communities and has recently been nominated as the President of the prestigious Inner Wheel Club of Bhopal Rise. She implements projects related to health, wellbeing of women and counselling of female students.  Apart from the above she is also an Executive Member of the Begums of Bhopal Club that preserves the cultural heritage of Bhopal and promotes home makers talent on various platforms.

RBTC Madhya Pradesh Honoree. TALAT ZAMIR. Documentary Film Maker & Fashion Entrepreneur, Founder Teezam Jewelry & Maahru Creations. Noida. Home Town: Gwalior, M.P Click side arrow for profile details. 

CREATIVE DOCUMENTARY FILM MAKER AND FASHION ENTREPRENEUR
Talat Zamir's passion for the arts led her to film and television production in the 1990s. She conceptualized ideas, developed scripts, produced, and directed tele-films, tele serials, documentaries, music programs, cookery shows and animation films. These were telecast on Doordarshan and other private channels. Her most recent cookery show “Baji Ki Handiya” made for DD (Urdu) was very popular and is still being widely viewed on YouTube.
A strong advocate of women’s empowerment and mother of three talented young girls, she has produced and directed a daily woman’s magazine show “Bazm -e - Khawateen “ for ETV (Urdu) in 2001 which showcased stories of Muslim women. Her programme “Aadhi Dhoop” made for DD on Muslim women was telecast on International Women’s Day.
Some of the documentaries made by Ms. Zamir on various social issues include “Yeh Kaisi Samasya” about dyslexic children, “Bojh” and “Khoya Bachpan” for the Ministry of Tribal Affairs. Her documentary on the life of street children and school dropouts “The Lost Childhood” for US based NGO, Naya Jeevan was much appreciated. She has anchored and presented many programmes for Doordarshan in Delhi, Mumbai, and others. She is an empaneled music artist with ICCR and AIR. She has sung playback and title songs for telefilms and serials. Her beautiful voice has graced the music CD “Salamo Payam”, a collection of sufi kalaam and naat. Talat regularly participates in programs organized by different Urdu language promoters at New Delhi’s India Habitat Centre, India International Centre,and Islamic Centre.
Building on her creative and art inclinations, Ms. Zamir initially took up a job as designer for an export house in Delhi and then launched her brand focusing on innovations in traditional embroidery. She is the owner of her business enterprise with her daughter, Minha, that includes Teezam Jewelry and Maahru Creations. Her designs are brought to life by a team of artisans who carry forward the tradition of handmade Kundan jewelry and ethnic couture. She has designed costumes for several TV productions including serials like “Khali Haath”and “Tanha” for Star Plus and telefilms “Rishtay”, “Akhri Khabar” for Doordarshan.
Talat was born in Gwalior where she completed her schooling. She joined Aligarh Muslim University to pursue a BA degree but was unable to complete it due to an early marriage. She later went on to get her BA and BEd degree from University of Kashmir, despite frequent transfers and bringing up her three daughters. Her youngest child was born on the day she completed her final BEd examination. Her story of determination and hard work is inspiring. She continues to move ahead and open new doors of opportunity for herself and her community.
References/Sources

RBTC Madhya Pradesh Honoree. TASNEEM KHAN.  Unique Batua Maker of Bhopal.  Click side arrow for profile details. 

PRESERVING BHOPAL'S HERITAGE THROUGH TIMELESS BATUASFor over four decades, Tasneem Khan has been crafting the traditional decorative pouch native to Bhopal called “ batua”. The Bhopali Batua, renowned for its intricate designs, is a local treasure. These purses feature semi-spherical shapes adorned with beads and sequin-shaped stars meticulously stitched onto their surface. They were used in earlier times by locals for carrying various items like coins, betel nuts, cloves, perfumes, beetle leaves (paan), and other mouth fresheners.Tasneem’s creations are marked by their uniqueness, achieved through the use of appliqué, beads, and "kat-dana" techniques. These distinctive pieces have garnered international attention, being exported to the USA and Canada, as well as finding popularity within India, such as in the city of Nagpur and others. Her pouches are thoughtfully coordinated with different outfits, adding an elegant touch to ensembles.Tasneem's journey began with creating batuas as gifts for her family, but her exceptional talent soon earned her recognition and propelled her to expand her work. She acquired this artistry from her mother-in-law, embodying a tradition passed down through generations. Tasneem says making batuas is her hobby. Her favorite are “tanchoi” batuas with zardozi which look very royal. She likes trying new ways of tying the strings of the batua and experimenting with colors and styles. References/LinksWatch and hear Tasneem talk about her Batuas at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VoCKvZTm0Y4

Taking Entrepreneurship Forward  

RBTC Madhya Pradesh Honoree. ASIF RASHEED Owner and Head Chef of ‘Filfora'. Bhopal. Click side arrow for profile details. 

CRAFTING SIGNATURE DISHES WITH PERFECTION  Asif Rasheed is the Owner and Head Chef of  the well-known ‘Filfora’ restaurant in Bhopal, which has been delivering authentic Mughlai cuisine since 1998 and has a name in the restaurant business. Asif Rasheed took the entrepreneurial plunge in her sixties after fulfilling her family responsibilities. Asif began her journey from a small makeshift canteen in a private school in the city in the early 90’s. She named her business from an Urdu word “filfore” meaning immediate, instant food after a round of hunting during the Nawabi era. Encouraged by her husband she decided to follow life’s calling and blended her entrepreneurial spirit with her passion- cooking. After years of struggle, Filfora is the fruit of her efforts. Even though her restaurant is based in Bhopal Madhya Pradesh, she is known for her signature dishes all over India and abroad. Ms. Rasheed has been featured on TV shows like Zaika India Ka on NDTV India hosted by Vinod Dua, Chakh De India on NDTV Good Times and Lost Recipes on Epic Channel hosted by Aditya Bal. Mrs. Asif Rasheed has also been felicitated with the Best Lady Chef Award by MP Tourism for the year 2015-2016. Filfora continues to receive rave reviews on trip advisor where the guests  appreciate the flavors different of the mutton dishes  and find them different from Delhi Mughlai food, crafted food, cooked with perfection.Links/References

RBTC Madhya Pradesh Honoree. FAUZIA ARSHI, Founder DML Studio'zFilmmaker, Author. Mumbai. Hometown: Bhopal M.P. Click side arrow for profile details. 

A MULTI TALENTED ENTREPRENEUR
Fauzia Arshi is an entrepreneur, a filmmaker, and an author based in Mumbai. She is the driving force behind DML Studio'z, a production house responsible for crafting Hindi feature films, web series, TV commercials, animated short stories, and documentary films. 
Fauzia commenced her entrepreneurial journey in Bhopal at the tender age of 17, founding the language school 'Cantabae' in 1990. Cantabae not only served as an educational platform but also as a vehicle for transformative social impact.  Fauzia introduced teacher training in the private education sector. She was instrumental in designing distance education courses for English Communication for Barkatullah University in the mid-1990s. She played a foundational role as a professor at institutions like IPER Bhopal, Safia College, Sadhu Vaswani, and IPS during the mid-1990s. 
After steering Cantabae to success for two decades, she embarked on a new chapter by relocating to Mumbai. Here she established her own music company, launching first music album with Miss World Yukta Mukhi under her banner. Her music company diversified its services, offering content to ad agencies, designing marketing campaigns, and creating memorable slogans like "Kuch Meetha Ho Jaye" for Cadbury.  Fauzia's indomitable spirit gave birth to her brainchild, DML Studio'z. She transformed her vision into reality with the Hindi feature film 'Fatso' (2012), a milestone that bolstered her confidence to expand into animated short stories and documentary films. Her directorial and production efforts culminated in the 2015 film 'Hogaya Dimaagh Ka Dahi' and the big-budget hit 'Bhaiyyaji Superhitt' in 2018.
Fauzia's literary journey is equally remarkable, with six books to her credit. Titles like 'The Sun Rises From the West', 'International Marketing Management', and 'Get Personal With Personnel Management' reflect her diverse interests and expertise in various fields. Fauzia's versatility knows no bounds; she is a painter, an accomplished poet, a vocalist, and a guitarist. Notably, she also holds the distinction of being the first Indian female guitarist. 
Her contributions to education, art, and entrepreneurship have garnered substantial recognition. Fauzia's accolades include the International Quality Award 2020 and the Exceptional Women of Excellence award in 2018. She was also recognized as the Best Woman COO for DML Studio’z. Fauzia's unwavering determination and innovation were honoured with the Arjun Singh Alankaran Award for entrepreneurship in 2013, as well as the Ganesh Shankar Vidyarthi Award in 2016. She has also received an honour from the British Parliament for her impactful social work and educational endeavours in 2018, as well as the Guru Shri Award from the Madhya Pradesh government for her contribution to education.
With an unyielding spirit, she continues to chart new horizons, as evidenced by her imminent ventures in NBFCs and Aviation. Her upcoming book is titled 'Aviatics': a study on the international aviation industry.
Sources/References

RBTC Madhya Pradesh Honoree. NILOUFER KHAN. Designer & Founder Niloufer Selections.  Bhopal. M.P, Click side arrow for profile details

.PASSIONATE PROMOTER OF THE TEXTILE ARTS OF MADHYA PRADESH  Begum Niloufer Rashiduzzafar Khan, lovingly known as Niloufer Bia, has been credited with promoting and giving world recognition to Madhya Pradesh textile art of Bagh and block prints when vegetable dyed cotton was not popular at all, forty years back. She brought intricate hand embroidery to the world fashion forum and pioneered the boutique culture in Bhopal of curated embroidered clothes. Niloufer works with zari, zardozi and her favorite Poth ka Kaam (bead work). She founded Niloufer Selections starting at the Zari Centre that was in an old palace established by her great grandmother. Niloufer made up her mind towards improving the quality and design of various hand work items once patronized by her grandmothers. She is the great granddaughter of Sultan Jahan Begum, ruler of Bhopal state during till 1926. Niloufer was inspired with the sense of art and beauty from her family which motivated her to execute design skills with creative excellence even though she did not have any formal degree in the area.Niloufer spent long hours at the Zari Centre working with women artisans to revive the art. She started designing cushion covers, bed covers and thus started her first entrepreneurial stint which received a great response. She found a partner in her cousin Bano who joined her in 1979. The initiative grew further after collaboration with Ismail Suleiman Khatri, a skilled Bagh artisan. The very first preview of her clothes was done by handwritten posters, a small classified and rounds of phone calls to which a few friends responded. It was followed by sale and exhibition of 350 traditional garments that were prepared for exclusive women. Niloufer received coverage inf Femina magazine through a center page titled ‘Begums and their Boutique’ and later in many other magazines and newspapers. There has been no looking back and she had successful sales with every single item sold out. It has been forty years now, Bano and Niloufer are continuing to design traditional clothes with meticulous details and designs. Their regular annual exhibitions happen in Delhi and Mumbai. They prefer to work with exclusive clients with limited edition quality work and have not gone to scale through mass production. Sources/References

RBTC Madhya Pradesh Honoree. RAKHSHAN ZAHID. Social Entrepreneur and Fashion Expert. President Begums of Bhopal and WEES. Owner Taraash. Bhopal. M.P. Click side arrow for profile details.

A MULTI-TALENTED SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURRakhshan Zahid, is a social entrepreneur.  Rakhshan established her fashion brand 'Taraash' with her signature fusion style in clothing, working on promoting sustainable fashion. She leads as President of the Women Education Empowerment Society (WEES), a non-governmental organization that works for upliftment of the underprivileged women of backward areas. She is also the President of Begums of Bhopal; a women’s club is to promote and preserve rich heritage and culture of the city and the brand ambassador for Raag Bhopali. Ms. Zahid started her professional journey as a sub-editor in the English Daily newspaper, MP Chronicle, but she quit the job due to family responsibilities and then started dress designing at the domestic level to balance both personal and professional lives. This gave her the confidence to create her fashion brand Taraash where she has hosted exhibitions at big platforms including Dubai and Singapore. Rakhshan has the support of a strong team of tailors, embroiders and ladies making crotchets, badla and other creative arts to curate designer pieces. To promote women’s creativity and talent and to make them more self-reliant, Rakhshan established WEES which supports underprivileged ladies of slum areas.  WEES established the Anwa Ladies Training Centre, for women’s skill development and Vocational training. Women of Anwa Training Centre not only make hand-crafted and sustainable products with recycled materials but also work to establish themselves as designers. Sustainable outfits made by them have been showcased in many fashion shows. As President of the Begum’s of Bhopal Club, Rakhshan has lead many initiatives to promote women’s empowerment and showcase the rich culture and heritage. The Club has organized many events  such as festivals, the heritage drive, car rally “Aghaaz” and others. Under her leadership the Begums of Bhopal revived and redesigned the concept of Pari Bazaar as the Pari Bazaar Heritage Festival, which was first organised in February 2021 and has become a regular feature since then. This Heritage Festival provides a strong platform for artisans, ladies of self-help groups, creative artists, weavers and empower women. Being the brand Ambassador  for Raag Bhopali,  an initiative that has been taken by the district administration to promote local handicrafts Rakhshan promotes Bhopali handcrafted products and helps SHG ladies to become self-reliant. Rakhshan has won multiple awards in the field of social work and entrepreneurship. Some of these include from the Times of India Group for social impact in 2018, , the State Women Achiever Award in the field of social work in 2019, being selected among 200 Iconic Indian beauties and only 2 from the State and award by Healthcopeia at South Asia Summit in Goa for promoting sustainable fashion, Nari Shakti Samman in 2022, Navduniya Nayika Samman 2023. She has been featured in Featured in the Women Achievers Issue in Corporate Impact magazine, 2023 and in the annual magazine Vasudha and awarded 'Vasudha Samman' by Helpbox Foundation for remarkable contribution in Environment protection and sustainable fashion in 2022. Rakhshan did her bachelors at Nutan College, Bhopal and her masters in English Literature. She also has an MBA in HR, and International Business, from Barkatullah University, Bhopal as well as a diploma in Fashion Designing from CRISP. Sources/References

RBTC Madhya Pradesh Honoree. SAMIA HUSAIN. Dentist & Owner of Mukasa Events & Designs. Bhopal. M.P.  Click side arrow for profile details

AN ENTREPRENEURSHIP JOURNEY IN BOTH SCIENCE AND ARTS 
Dr. Samia Husain has been a practicing dentist at Royal Dental Clinic and Research Centre, Bhopal for 7 years. She is  also a facial aesthetician and introduced the concept of invisible braces in Bhopal.  With her expertise in smile designing Dr. Husain has been  successfully treating multiple smile corrections including of international clients from Dubai.   Samia completed her dentistry degree from People’s College of Dental Science, Bhopal. 
Beside her work in the field of dentistry, Samia is also a wedding planner ( wedding designing and decor )  and a wedding couturier ( designer of wedding outfits ) all at the same time. Samia’s talent in art and designing led her to  establish her company "Mukasa Designs" and  "Mukasa Events".  She  introduced the concept of high end & Elite English décor. Based in Bhopal Mukasa now has clients in many other parts of the country. Her wedding designer  dresses with beautiful & elegant embroidery are also  being successfully delivered worldwide. Mukasa Events are now paving paths in wedding planning  to bigger metropolitan cities like Mumbai & Goa. Dr. Husain designs and guides her  team of local artisans supporting their creative arts and embroideries. 
Her inspiration is first her mother who always nurtured her to be independent, valuable & knowledgeable. Samia also gives credit to her  husband who recognised her talents in different fields & motivated her to take this entrepreneurship forward. Her  dream is to promote & inspire all the women to bring out the best in them to pursue their dreams and passion at any time anywhere in their lives. 
References/ Sources 

RBTC Madhya Pradesh Honoree. SHAHZANA KHAN. Entrepreneur. Founder, Scholars Academy, Bhopal. M.P. Click side arrow for profile details.  

ESTABLISHING SUCCESSFUL ENTREPRENEURSHIP VENTURES WITH BUSINESS ACUMENShahzana Khan is an entrepreneur in multiple areas. In 1982 Ms. Khan trained herself as a beautician and established her Beauty Salon by the name “Queens”  in Bhopal when this concept was unheard in the city. Queens went on to become the best ladies Salon from 1982 to 1997. Being growth oriented and also wanting to contribute to her society, Shahzana converted her family’s ancestral property, Hamid Manzil, which is in the heart of the city into a school , by the name ‘Scholars Academy’.  The school which started with with only 6 students , is today from kindergarten to 12 standard and is ,State board affiliated school with a strength of 1700 students,  majority of whom are girls from marginalized backgrounds.Shahzana also started a Marriage Garden by the name Bagh O Bahaar, at her beautiful lake side property at Khanugaon Bhopal. Established in the year 2006, Bagh O Bahar Residency Guest House is a top player in the category Guest House Weekly Rental in Bhopal. For the past 15 years Shahzana has been actively involved in it . Ms. Khan holds an M.A in English Literature from MLB College, Bhopal and completed her schooling at St. Joseph's convent School. Bhopal.References/Sources

RBTC Madhya Pradesh Honoree. SUFIA QURESHI. Founder & Director, Sufi Consulting. Bhopal. Click side arrow for profile details. 

FOUNDING HUMAN RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT WITH SUFI PRINCIPLES
Ms. Sufia Qureshi is the Founder Director of Sufi Consultancy based at Bhopal which she established in 2012.  Sufia has substantive background in the education industry with over 15 years of experience in the field of Education, Human Resources Management, Recruitment, Training and Placement and Tourism sector. 
Commencing her career as a Home Tutor during her undergraduate years, she subsequently pursued a B.Ed. degree in 2005.  This marked a steppingstone for her engagement in diverse educational institutions, where she imparted communication skills training to students in several Engineering colleges within Bhopal. Sufia has double master’s in commerce and in Sociology.  She has also completed an Entrepreneurship program in Hyderabad in 2010, which introduced her to the domain of recruitment. Venturing into entrepreneurship in 2012, she initiated her Recruitment Consulting enterprise while concurrently engaging in a strategic partnership within the Travel and Tourism domain. 
Besides her entrepreneurial work, Sufia is also a gifted writer and a poet, she writes on social issues and has anchored programs on Doordarshan, Akashwani, Online Educational Channels like Jahan e Mann and Webtalks.  She has been a distinguished speaker at many national and local fora. 
With the zeal of giving back to society, Sufia has been active in social work In the face of the pandemic challenges and has provided support to various organizations of repute and local Covid Help Groups. As the Member of National Projects team of a Mumbai-based NGO, Association of Muslim Professionals, she spearheads the endeavors dedicated to higher Education, Employment, and Economic empowerment. This pivotal initiative underscores her commitment to effecting positive change through financial assistance, scholarship opportunities, skills training, job Facilitation, and career guidance. 
References/Sources

RBTC Madhya Pradesh Nominee. YASMIN ALIM. President Maulana Azad Higher Secondary School. Proprietor Sarah Gas Agency. President National Muslim Education Society. Bhopal. M.P. Click side  arrow for profile details. 

AN ACCOMPLISHED EDUCATIONIST, ENTREPRENEUR AND SOCIAL WORKER 
Yasmin Alim has an accomplished career in entrepreneurship, education, and social work. Yasmin started her entrepreneurship journey in 1986, when she was selected for a gas agency by Bharat Petroleum, via an open competition held in New Delhi . She was the only female entrant among the final 12 participants who were  were short listed by the company. She is the owner of Hindustan petroleum gas agency. 
Yasmin’s pioneering service in the field of education was via her pivotal project Jingle Bells School, initially launched from her own home in 1990 and later graduated to its own premises at Eidgah Hills. The school served as a focal point for the entire neighborhood and adjoining societies toward the requirement of nursery stage education of the children, as there was not a single professionally run nursery school at that time. In 1995 Yasmin took over the reins of the Maulana Azad Higher Secondary School - a renowned institution for the underprivileged - that traces its roots to the pre independence era. During her tenure as President of the School, she took it to greater heights that was instrumental in shaping the career of many successful people of the city. Yasmin has also taken up the cause of Muslim education in the society through her NGO National Muslim Education Society.
Yasmin completed her bachelors and masters in English literature from MLB college Bhopal. Ms. Alim has demonstrated leadership qualities  from her college days when she was chosen as University Representative for three consecutive years that and in 1984 elected as the President of MLB College Bhopal.  During the Bhopal gas tragedy of December 1984, Yasmin plunged herself wholeheartedly toward a host of social support activities for the affected people. The immediate firefighting steps that were undertaken by her and her team of committed volunteers included providing food and first aid in the affected areas, transporting serious victims to the hospital, and extending complete administrative and logistic support to the local authorities. She also worked tirelessly as a very active member of the Gas Rahat Committee in support of the victims of the tragedy. 
References/Sources:

Inspirations from Politics  

RBTC Madhya Pradesh Honoree. MAHEJABEEN KHAN. Politician.  Former Chairperson of District Industrial Corporation, MLA representative North Constituency. Bhopal.  Click side arrow for profile details

POLITICAL LEADERSHIP DEDICATED TO PUBLIC SERVICE Mahejabeen Khan’s political career has been marked by various significant positions and achievements. She began as the Joint Secretary of the Madhya Pradesh Youth Congress, and her vocal prowess earned her the role of Spokesperson for the Madhya Pradesh Congress Committee twice. This dedication led to her becoming the Secretary in charge of the Madhya Pradesh Congress Committee, holding this pivotal role on two occasions. Her political acumen extended to the role of Observer in crucial Lok Sabha constituencies, including Bhopal, Gwalior, and Bhind. Scaling greater heights, she became the General Secretary and State in charge for Bihar at the All-India Mahila Congress in New Delhi, demonstrating her commitment to women's issues.  In Bhopal, Mahejabeen served as a Corporator within the Bhopal Municipal Corporation (BMC), followed by the esteemed position of Mayor-In-Council for the Education Department of the BMC. Within the Madhya Pradesh Congress Committee, Mahejabeen's roles included that of a Block Development Officer and a Member of the District Planning Committee in Bhopal.
Beyond politics, Ms. Khan contributed significantly to education, serving as a Managing Committee member for institutions such as Geetanjali Girls College and Cambridge School in Bhopal. She continued her involvement in education by taking up the position of Vice-president within Bhopal University's ranks. Mahejabeen's leadership wasn't confined to local matters. She also held the Chairperson position for the District Industrial Corporation in Bhopal, showcasing her commitment to economic development. Her global engagements included roles such as Secretary of the Lord Byron Society in London, UK, and the Secretary of the MP Women's Cricket Association. Her dedication and expertise also led her to become a Member of various Enquiry Committees formed by Ms. Sonia Gandhi, the President of the All-India Congress Committee.
Mahejabeen Khan's influence extended to the media, where she served as the Political Editor for First Post Magazine in New Delhi and Bhopal. Her impactful voice reached a wider audience through her role as a Columnist for Hindustan Times, where she published numerous articles on critical topics. 

RBTC Madhya Pradesh Honoree. NAJMA HEPTULLA, Politician. Governor of Manipur (2016). First woman Chancellor of Jamia Millia Islamia University (2017). Deputy Chairperson of the Rajya Sabha for 16 years. Home Town: BhopaL. Click side arrow for profile details.  

A  REMARKABLE POLITICAL LEGACYNajma Akbar Ali Heptulla, born on April 13, 1940, in Bhopal, India, is a prominent Indian politician. She has held various significant roles throughout her career. She currently serves as the Chancellor of Jamia Millia Islamia since 2017. Ms. Heptulla contested the 13th vice-presidential election held in August 2007. Despite her efforts, she narrowly lost to Hamid Ansari by a margin of 233 votes. She was a six-time member of the Rajya Sabha, the upper house of the Indian parliament, between 1980 and 2016. During her tenure, she also served as the Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha for a remarkable sixteen years while she was a member of the Indian National Congress.  Ms. Heptuallah was the first woman elected as President of the International Parliament Union in 1999 in the 115 year history of the Geneva based global organization, largest organization of parliaments of the world. Between 2016 and 2021, Heptulla served as the 16th Governor of Manipur, contributing to the governance and administration of the state. Ms. Heptulla's lineage traces back to an illustrious background. She was born as Sayyida Najma bint Yusuf to Sayyid Yusuf bin Ali AlHashmi and Sayyida Fatima bint Mahmood. She is the grandniece of the first minister of education of independent India Maulana Abul Kalam Azad. Ms. Heptulla did her schooling at Motilal Vigyan Mahavidyalaya, Bhopal, and obtained an M.Sc. and a Ph.D. degree, both in Zoology, from Vikram University, Ujjain and just two years later, in 1962, she successfully completed her Ph.D. with a specialisation in cardiac anatomy. Heptulla's contributions extend beyond politics. She is a prolific writer, social advocate, and government official. Her publications include works like "India's Progress in Science and Technology: Continuity and Change" (1986), "Indo-West Asian Relations: The Nehru Era" (1991), and "Reforms for Women: Future Options" (1992).  References

RBTC Madhya Pradesh Honoree. NISHA KHAN.  Elected Corporator  for two terms. Founder & Owner, Green Line Construction. Bhopal, M.PClick side arrow for profile details 

DEDICATED SERVICE AS ELECTED CORPORATOR
Nisha Khan was elected and served as the Corporator (Parshad) for two terms during 2004-2009 and 2009-2014. As corporator she undertook many projects  including the renovation of Iqbal Maidan, which gave it a totally new look and attracted many film makers to shoot films there.  During her tenure she cleaned and beautified  the boundaries of upper Lake through the project name "JHEEL SANRAKSHAN" and facilitated construction of parks and playgrounds  through the corporator funds for her area.  She also renovated the Government school in her elected ward area.  Ms. Khan is an active social worker who runs different schemes under Amberly Education Society for students Below Poverty Line. Sha has organized the distribution of  free school uniforms, course books and stationery to  under-privileged   students.
Nisha  is also the director of Amberly House School, Bhopal and is  a well-known Interior Designer with her own company named "Green Line Construction".  Nisha completed her schooling from TM convent school and bachelors from MLB college Bhopal. She also has a master’s in Urdu and a master’s in   fine arts from Hamidiya College Bhopal. Nisha is an artist and works with oil and poster colors.  She sells her paintings at exhibitions and the earnings from it are used to help  people in need.

RBTC Madhya Pradesh Honoree. NOORI KHAN. Member Minorities Commission of Madhya Pradesh, Politician Indian National Congress. Ujjain, M.P. Profile details to be completed. 

DEMONSTRATING COMMITMENT IN CHALLENGING TIMES
Noori Khan is a Member of the Minorities Commission of the Madhya Pradesh Government. She serves as the National Coordinator for Mahila Congress.  Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, she has emerged as a voice of the people to strengthen state government's response to the pandemic, particularly in Ujjain.  
Noori holds the role of Senior Vice President in the Madhya Pradesh Mahila Congress. With a remarkable tenure of 22 years, Noori Khan has demonstrated her enduring commitment to serving the people. In the capacity as in-charge, she oversees the Malwa Nimad Region.
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 RBTC Madhya Pradesh Honoree. RAISA BEGUM MALIK. Politician, Corporator Ward 22 , Mahila Congress Leader,  Bhopal M. P. Click side arrow for profile details.  

POLITICAL LEADERSHIP IN SERVICE OF WOMEN 
Raisa Begum Malik, a seasoned politician for 25 years, has held several leadership positions in her political party, Indian National Congress (INC). Raisa Begum’s positions with the INC in the state of Madhya Pradesh include President of Mahila Congress, Bhopal, State General Secretary, Madhya Pradesh Mahila Congress, State Coordinator, Public Grievance Redressal Cell, Madhya Pradesh Congress Committee, State President, Madhya Pradesh Congress Minority Women’s Wing, others. Raisa has also served earlier as Councilor in the Municipal Corporation of Bhopal. 
Ms. Malik has extensively toured in various districts of Madhya Pradesh in connection with political protest movements and electoral politics. She has an established wide network of personal relationships with many women activists and leaders in all parts of the state. Raisa took part in a large number of political protests and marches and faced police action on several occasions including arrests and imprisonment. 
Raiza is also  a government recognized journalist, as the State President of the Women’s wing of the Journalists Union of Madhya Pradesh and as the Editor of a monthly magazine called ‘Satvan Phalak’. Have also authored a book titled ‘Azadi ki Kahani - Senani ki Zubani’. Ms. Malik has a master’s in Hindi Literature and a bachelor’s in education (B.Ed.).
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RBTC Madhya Pradesh Honoree. SHABISTA ZAKI. Advocate at District Court Bhopal, Corporator at Bhopal Nagar Nigam. Bhopal, M.P. Click side arrow for profile details. 

POLITICAN LAWYER REPRESENTING THE DISADVANTAGED  Shabista Zaki has a  multi-faceted career, as a lawyer, an active participant in city government, in the field of education and in state level politics as a member of the Madhya Pradesh Congress Party.  Shabista has served as Corporator in the Municipal Corporation of Bhopal, Bhopal Nagar Nigam, since the year 2009 and has persevered to provide responsive city government to the people. At the state level, served as the General Secretary of the Mahila Congress Committee, Madhya Pradesh. Ms. Zaki has also been active in the field of education having served as Treasurer of the Arera Education Society, Bhopal, as Vice President of the Madhya Pradesh Muslim Education Society and as Co-Manager of Kamalnath Degree College and Jawahar Lal Nehru Degree College, Bhopal. Shabista is an Advocate at the District Court Bhopal. As a lawyer she has consistently represented the poor and disadvantaged sections of society, particularly those who are victims of state excesses, and have fought to get them due justice. She has taken part in anti-corruption movements and has worked hard to ensure that corrupt persons in government are duly punished under law.Shabista has an LLM in Law and a master’s in political science from Barkatullah University Bhopal. She went to Government High School Berasia. References/Sources

Professionals in STEM - Science, Technology, Engineering & Medicine  

RBTC Madhya Pradesh Honoree. FARAH KIDWAI. Senior Psychologist, Scientist G, DRDO, Ministry of Defense. Selected for Indian Air Force in 1992 in the first batch of women candidates. Hometown: Bhopal, M.P. Click side arrow for profile details 

SCIENTIST WITH SCHOLARSHIP ON EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE
Farah Kidwai, PhD, is Senior Psychologist Scientist “G” at the Service Selection Board, Selection Centre Central Bhopal of the Ministry of Defense, Government of India.  Candidates who clear the NDA, CDSE and Naval entry exams to join the defence services are called to the SSB selection process. 
Dr. Kidwai has an M Phil and PhD degree from Barkatullah University, Bhopal and she did her schooling from St. Joseph’s Convent School, Bhopal. Her research topic was on Emotional Intelligence and Leadership Effectiveness. She completed her M.Phil. in Psychology, and also has a Diploma in Human Resources Development. 
Dr. Kidwai is the author of the book "Emotional Intelligence Among Police Personnel: An Indian Study: Predictor of Leadership and Organizational Effectiveness". She has contributed chapters and articles in books, scientific and non-scientific journals and defence ministry publications on a range of issues related to her research. In the book titled, 'Suicidal Behaviour – Assessment of People at Risk', Dr. Kidwai wrote a chapter on 'Media coverage of suicides on suicidal behaviour'. Dr, Kidwai also served on the conference committee of the international conference on emerging issues and challenges in global mental health and public health for the 21st century hosted at Odisha in November 2022 and has published work on Risk Taking Behaviour and Career Choice among Youth Aspiring to be an Officer in Indian Armed Force. 
Farah has received several awards and recognitions including the Vice Chief of Naval Staff Recommendation Card (2013); Vice Chief of Army Staff Recommendation Card (2008) and 'Scientist of the Year' Scientific Advisor's award from DRDO (2001). She also has to her credit being selection in the Indian Air Force in 1992 in the first batch of women candidates. Dr. Kidwai received the National Scholarship for post-graduation in 1990.
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RBTC Madhya Pradesh Honoree. FIROZA AHMED, Former Professor and Head of Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology. Bhopal. Hometown: Gwalior, M.P. Click side arrow for profile details. 

LEADERSHIP IN IMPROVING WOMEN’SREPRODUCTIVE HEALTH  Dr. Firoza Ahmed was born in 1938 at Gwalior. She completed her MBBS graduation from Gajra Raja Medical College Gwalior and did her MS in Obstetrics and Gynaecology from Gandhi Medical College Bhopal. Dr. Ahmed is the first Muslim woman gynecologist of Madhya Pradesh and the seniormost today. 
 Dr. Firoza was appointed as Assistant Professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Gandhi Medical College in 1975 and retired  as professor and Head of the Department in 2002. 
Dr. Ahmed, who comes from a family of doctors, including her next generation of children,  is the recipient of the  lifetime achievement award from the Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh in add year. She is an inspiration to women doctors all over the state. 




 RBTC Madhya Pradesh Honoree. NOOR JAHAN KHAN. Psychologist & Psychotherapist, Director, MindPlus Life. Bhopal M.P. Click side arrow for profile details 

A PASSIONATE & COMMITTED PYSCHOLOGIST & PSYCHOTHERAPIST Dr. Noor Jahan Khan is a psychologist, psychotherapist and also a life-skills trainer. Noor Jahan was trained at the British Psychological Society, London and is a Dale Carnegie certified Master trainer and has 26 years of experience in diverse fields. Ms. Khan specializes in soft skills and behavioural trainings. She has worked with the Department of Police as a faculty of psychology for training of police officers at State Level Police Academy in Bhaunri, Bhopal and Police Training and Research Institute (PTRI), Bhopal. Ms. Khan has also worked with the Department of Happiness, Madhya Pradesh Government, as a training consultant and content developer. She has a varied experience in corporate training, police training, image management training, higher education, talent management, performance- coaching, psychosocial counselling, career planning, stress management coaching, personal & career resilience training. Noor Jahan has been invited to various Government and Non- Government Institutions as guest faculty. Her expertise lies in mindfulness, self-compassion, and ACT based psychotherapies for various clinical and non-clinical psychological issues. Apart from this she has organized various workshops for police officers, managers, executives, and corporate staff; teachers and parents, and has been training, teaching, and counselling for career decisions and psychological issues of students of different ages of schools and colleges through psychometric assessment, career portfolio-designing and personality-profiles.Ms Khan completed her schooling from Kendriya Vidhyalaya and did her masters and Ph. D from Barkatullah university Bhopal.  She believes that ‘stress is not bad, there should be a little stress in our lives, because if there is no stress, then we will not try our best to achieve what we want. She suggests that we stop wearing the blanket of problems and instead learn lessons from every failure……” References/Sources

RBTC Madhya Pradesh Honoree. SABA FARUQUI,  Eye Surgeon. Associate Professor, LN Medical College. Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. Click side arrow for profile details 

TOPPER OPHTHALMOLOGIST AND GLAUCOMA EXPERTDr Saba Faruqui is an Eye Surgeon working as Associate Professor of Ophthalmology at LN Medical college and JK Hospital at Bhopal. Dr. Faruqui completed her medical studies MBBS and later MS in Ophthalmology from Gandhi Medical College, Bhopal. Interested in academics, she bagged three gold medals and a silver during her MBBS. During her  postgraduate (MS) studies, she was awarded for best thesis and gold medal for best outgoing resident. Saba also completed a fellowship in Glaucoma from Sankara Nethralaya, Chennai. Saba completed her senior secondary education from Carmel Convent School, BHEL, Bhopal, where she stood first in her class in the XII standard Board Exams. However, a greater part of her schooling was from the Embassy of India School, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.After working as a consultant and glaucoma expert in various trust and corporate hospitals in Tamil Nadu, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh Saba  moved to teaching and research as an Associate Professor in a medical college. Some of her research publications include a study of the correlation between smartphone usage and dry eye in medical students. References/Sources:

RBTC Madhya Pradesh Honoree. SAMINA E. MUBEEN, Engineer, Principal, Radha Raman College of Engineering. Bhopal. Click side arrow for profile details. 

SHINING THE LIGHT AS WOMAN ENGINEERDr. Samina Elyas Mubeen is Professor and Head of Department at Radharaman Engineering College, Bhopal. Dr. Mubeen obtained her B.E. (Electrical Engineering) degree from National Institute of Engineering Technology, Raipur, MTech (Heavy Electrical Engineering) from Maulana Azad NIT, Bhopal in 2002 and Ph.D. in power system from Maulana Azad NIT, Bhopal in 2011. For her PhD she received a research fellowship awarded by the Ministry of Human Resource Development, Delhi. Dr. Mubeen's research areas are power system, hybrid energy system, solar and wind energy, artificial intelligence. Samina started her career in the manufacturing sector in the field of Electrical Engineering and  later shifted to teaching.  She has also worked as a lecturer in Maulana Azad NIT Bhopal.  Dr. Mubeen is actively involved in various research work  and has been awarded an international patent for her work utilizing IOT and has filed a few more in the field of environmental technology. She has published 45 research papers in national and international indexed journals and conferences. She is a lifetime member of ISTE and the Institution of Engineers (India).  Sources/References

RBTC Madhya Pradesh Honoree. SHABANA SULTAN. Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, Laproscopic Surgeon Professor at Gandhi Medical College, Bhopal.  Click side arrow for profile details

SAVING THE LIVES OF MOTHERSDr. Shabana Sultan is Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Gandhi Medical College Bhopal. She works at  the city’s busy Sultania Zanana Hospital for Women.  Dr. Sultan has been practicing Ob/Gyn for two decades. She completed her MD in Obstetrics and Gynecology from Gandhi Medical College in 2002. Dr. Sultan has a FICOG fellow and specialist laparoscopic surgeon with intensive experience in hospital and clinical settings. She also has a strong background in working with low income and minority populations. .Shabana is working  for saving mothers with post partum hemorrhage along with Sevagram Medical College and Harvard  University Team of Dr. Thomas Burke and an international project all over India.  Shabana’s areas of research and work include adolescent health and menopausal women. She focusses on adolescent health education for schoolgirls particularly in low socio-economic strata and government schools. Her objective is to increase access and use of sanitary napkins by adolescent girls in rural areas and create awareness on menstrual hygiene. Dr. Sultan has receive the MS Signature Award for her work .  She is also currently serving as  Secretary of Obstetrics and Gynecological Society of Bhopal . References/Sources

RBTC Madhya Pradesh Honoree. SHAZIA MANSOOR, Molecular Microbiologist, Jawaharlal Nehru Cancer Hospital and Research Centre, Bhopal. M.P. Click side arrow for profile details. 

A DEDICATED SCHOLAR AND RESEARCHER AT THE FOREFRONT OF MEDICAL ADVANCEMENTDr. Shazia Mansoor is currently working as Molecular Microbiologist/Assistant Professor in the Department of Research and Paramedical, Jawaharlal Nehru Cancer Hospital and Research Centre, Bhopal.  Previously, she held positions as an Assistant Professor at Bhabha College of Dental Sciences and as a Research Associate at Bhopal Memorial Hospital and Research Centre, both located in Bhopal.Shazia's professional journey also includes her role as a Coordinator for Clinical Trials within the Department of Research at Jawaharlal Nehru Cancer Hospital and Research Centre. With a background as an Academician and Researcher, she holds a PhD in Microbiology from Integral University, Lucknow.. Her notable accomplishments include the publication of 23 research articles in both national and international peer-reviewed journals. Furthermore, she has taken on the role of editor for a published book titled "Recent Advancements in Nanotechnology: Current Trends and Future Scope."Mansoor's contributions extend to her role as an Editorial Board Member for prominent national and international journals. Notably, these journals encompass "Trends in Biosciences Journal" and "International Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology (IJPP)" published by Science PG in New York, USA. Apart from her academic pursuits, Shazia is actively involved as a volunteer in Cancer Awareness Camps, demonstrating her commitment to community engagement and raising awareness about cancer.References/Sources

RBTC Madhya Pradesh Honoree. SUMAIYA KHAN, Dental Surgeon, Laser & Medical Aesthetician. Bhopal, M.P.  Profile details to be  completed

OVERCOMING CHALLENGES TO ESTABLISH HER DENTAL PRACTICE AND IDENTITY Dr Sumaiya Khan is a Dental Surgeon,  Implantologist & Laser and Medical Aesthetician and runs her own Dr. Sumaiya’s Laser Centre in Bhopal . Dr. Khan is the director and provides consultation at White Advanced Dentistry, Jahangirabad Bhopal, which is a Dental and Implant Centre. Sumaiya wanted  to be identified as a successful doctor with her hijab and libas. She faced official and social pressure but has been able to face it with courage and  set up a successful practice, as can be seen from the online reviews by patients. Dr. Khan credits her success to her father who trusted her.  Sumaiya along with her father Mr.  Nasiruddin are associated with various organizations for supporting thalassemic children and orphans. Her inspirations are Sayyedna Khadijah and Sayyedna Fatima R.A. References/Sources

RBTC Madhya Pradesh Honoree. TAJWAR MUSHARRAF. Senior Director IT/SCIENTIST- 'F' in Government of India, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, Department of Electronics and InformationTechnology, National Informatics Centre, Bhopal. Click side arrow for profile details. 

 TALENTED INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SCIENTIST 
Tajwar Musharraf is Senior Director Information Technology/SCIENTIST- 'F' in Government of India, Ministry of Electronics, and Information Technology, Department of Electronics and Information Technology,  National Informatics Centre, posted at Bhopal where she is leading many projects. Tajwar is the first  Muslim woman to join NIC at Scientist- B. She was among the ten persons selected from all over India. 
Tajwar completed her B.E. in Computer Technology from Government Engineering College Bhopal and her schooling at Dr. Radhakrishnan Girls higher Secondary School Berkhera Bhopal (UIT, RGPV). She was not only meritorious at academics but was the best all-rounder of her school being good at being meritorious class captain, captain of sports, singing, debate, essay, knitting, embroidery, drawing, arts, parade, P.T. among others. She sang on All India Radio as well. 
Tajwar was born and brought up in BHEL Bhopal campus since both her father and brother were working there. She gives credit to her father, who  was hafiz Quran and  had progressive views that high education in women was important and will benefit the entire society. In fifth class, she was very much inspired by her brother when he got admission to the Engineering College in Indore, and she decided to become a Computer Engineer.  She did not get to meet and see any Muslim women engineers at that time. Unfortunately, her father died when she was in school. But that didn't stop her from achieving her goal. Tajwar passed the Pre-Engineering Test under the able guidance of her brother Mr. S.M. Akhtar and joined the Government Engineering College Bhopal and in her dream branch of Computer Technology. She was the first Muslim girl of Government Engineering College, Bhopal.
Life was not easy for Ms. Musharraf, as soon as she completed her B.E., during 1992 riots in the city her home was looted and burnt, and the family were left with only the clothes they were wearing. But she persisted in her goal and within few years Tajwar managed to get selected directly as Class-I Gazetted Officer  in NIC at Bhopal. She was among the 10 selected  posts all over India,  appointed by the President of India. Ms. Musharraf is not only the first Muslim women but is among the handful of staff joined NIC directly on such a high post. 
Tajwar’s excellent design skill led her to design complex projects into simpler ones. One of her Project ‘e-Cooperatives’ is awarded with ‘CSI-Nihilent e-Governance Awards 2015-16’. Her Project ‘e-Vidhansabha’ has been running successfully for years. She was awarded by DG NIC for giving maximum webinars in a year. Tajwar continues her quest for knowledge and has completed  30 online courses, on both technical and management development programs. Ms. Musharraf is currently the Head of the District Office of NIC Bhopal. 
References/Sources 

RBTC Madhya Pradesh Honoree .UZMA SAQIB, Senior Scientist, Indian Insitute of Technology, Indore. M.P Click side arrow for profile details.   

TAKING THE ROAD LESS TRAVELLED & DEVELOPING HER OWN PATENT
Uzma Saqib, PhD, works as Senior Scientist at the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology Indore.  She worked earlier as an Assistant Professor at Maulana Azad National Institute of Technology, Bhopal following completion of her postdoctoral research at the University of Illinois at Chicago in 2014. 
Dr. Uzma was always fascinated by the world of medical science and studied biochemistry and later biotechnology from Barkatullah University. She specialises in bioinformatics, cell biology and drug discovery. In 2004, she was selected as a CSIR-Diamond Jubilee Research Intern to undergo training at India’s pioneer Central Drug Research Institute Lucknow. She further received the CSIR-NET Junior Research Fellowship to pursue her doctoral degree from CDRI. Dr. Saqib was also nominated for the prestigious S.P. Mukherjee Award during the same time. She acquired merit in Advanced Intellectual property Right exam from WIPO, Switzerland. Uzma received the American Heart Association Grant to fund her innovative research on microtubules-based small peptide therapeutics along with a travel award from the American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics to present her research in the Experimental biology meeting, San Diego.
Dr Uzma has earned many laurels in her long academic career These include awards bodies like International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, International Collaborative Research Japan, Federation of European Biochemical Societies, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, European Science Foundation, The World Academy of Sciences, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, New Delhi, University Grants  Commission, Department Of Science & Technology, Sapienza University, Italy, Cambridge Hameid Trust to name a few.  She has visited many universities and research bodies in India and abroad on research and academic visits. She has pioneered several collaborative studies. Her international patent on a small peptide treating angioedema and vascular permeability has earned her much recognition in the field of vascular biology. She is in an advanced stage of developing an anti-cancer drug in collaboration with the University of Haifa, Israel, alongside developing a novel peptide drug against Dangue, in collaboration with Edinburgh Napier University, Scotland.
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Shining in Sports  

RBTC Madhya Pradesh Honoree. ANAM BASIT . International Trap Shooter, Madhya Pradesh Shooting Academy,  Bhopal   Click side arrow for profile details. 

AN INTERNATION CHAMPION TRAP SHOOTER Anam Basit, is a skilled trap shooter hailing from the Madhya Pradesh Shooting Academy who has achieved remarkable success on the national and international stage. Anam's exceptional prowess shines through with her impressive tally of six gold medals in the national championship, including a notable victory at the National Games in Kerala. Ms. Basit has also proudly represented India's girls' team in prestigious international shooting competitions. She has won two silvers and a bronze medal in international events. She was in the Indian squad for the World University Shooting Championship where she finished 5th in this prestigious championship held in Kuala Lumpur.Anam has an MBA degree from Barkatullah University, Bhopal. Her father, Abdul Basit Khan, a retired Army officer,  encouraged Anam in her passion to be a shotgun shooter. Links/References

RBTC Madhya Pradesh Honoree. FATIMA BANO, Wrestler. First Indian Muslim woman wrestler. Recipient of Vikram Award, the highest honour in sports given by the government of the state of Madhya Pradesh. Bhopal. Click side arrow for profile details.  

NATION'S FIRST MUSLIM WOMAN WRESTLING COACHHailing from a Muslim family, Fatima Bano has carved her path in the sports world, initially excelling in Kabaddi and earning three national medals. Born to Syed Nasrulla, who worked at BHEL, and her mother Nisha Bano, a homemaker, Fatima embarked on a journey that eventually led her to become the nation's first Muslim woman coach. She undertook the admirable task of nurturing and honing the skills of 20 international-level players at her own expense.Her coaching prowess extends to esteemed wrestlers such as Geeta-Babita Phogat and Sakshi Malik. Presently, she dedicates herself to training 27 students, comprising 12 girls and 15 boys, all with aspirations for the Olympic Games.In 1997, upon the advice of her Kabaddi coach, Fatima journeyed to Patiala, Punjab, where she transitioned into wrestling. Guided by her coach, Shakir Noor, she participated in numerous national and international wrestling championships, amassing accolades along the way.In 2003, she established a wrestling training centre in Bhopal, on a piece of land provided by the government. Additionally, she was granted a monthly stipend of four thousand Indian rupees. Fatima's coaching extends to a diverse range of children and teenagers, both boys and girls, including players from the United States, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan. In recognition of her contributions, Fatima Bano was honoured with the prestigious Vikram Award in 2001, the highest accolade in sports presented by the government of Madhya Pradesh. This distinction marked her as the first wrestler to achieve such recognition, solidifying her status as a trailblazer in the world of wrestling coaching.
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RBTC Madhya Pradesh Honoree. KHUSHBOO KHAN , International Hockey Goal Keeper, India's Junior Women's Hockey Team.. Bhopal. Click side arrow for profile details. 

INSPIRING JOURNEY IN INTERNATIONAL JUNIOR WOMEN’S HOCKEY  
Khusbhoo Khan is Indian junior women’s team hockey player who secured a silver medal in the third Youth Olympic Games in 2018 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. At the age of 20, Khushboo is a skilled goalie who has proudly represented her country in various international championships and global tours.
Starting from 2017, Khushboo has been a stalwart for the Indian junior hockey team, showcasing her talents across multiple countries including Belgium, Argentina, Australia, Chile, South Africa, Belarus, and Ireland. She has had the privilege of visiting Australia and Ireland on two occasions, and she also proudly represented India in the junior World Cup in 2021. 
Khushboo's father, Shabbir Khan, works as an auto-rickshaw driver to provide for the family. The living conditions at their home in Bhopal are cramped, making it difficult to move around without encountering obstacles. Khushboo's journey is a testament to her resilience and commitment. Her mother, Mumtaz Bano, who previously worked as a house help, expresses her gratitude to the divine for the opportunities that Khushboo has been blessed with. 
While Khushboo has yet to make her debut in the senior Indian hockey team, her story serves as an inspiration to others facing similar circumstances. Her dedication, hard work, and remarkable talent can motivate individuals to pursue their dreams and excel, regardless of challenges. Khushboo Khan's journey continues to unfold, symbolizing her unwavering determination and ambition.
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 RBTC Madhya Pradesh Honoree.  NOSHEEN QUADRI, Judo Champion. First Asian medalist in Kurash (type of martial art) 2018; Ujjain,Click side arrow for profile details

GOLD MEDALIST IN JUDO & FIRST ASIAN MEDALIST  IN KURASHNosheen Quadri started her journey as a sportswoman in the art of Judo in 2007 when she was studying at Morning Star School at Ratlam.  She received the gold medal in the Judo competition organised by Rajiv Gandhi Technical University Bhopal for four consecutive years. Further, she has the remarkable achievement of being a Madhya Pradesh Gold medallist in Judo for eight consecutive years. Ms. Quadri is the first Asian Medallist from Madhya Pradesh in Kurash (a type of folk wresting art) in 2018. Nosheen has represented her state of Madhya Pradesh and Rajiv Gandhi technical university in many tournaments in India and won several awards. She is the winner of the Bronze Medal in International X Senior Asian Kurash Championship 2018; Gold Medal in Judo in senior state championship of student Olympic association 2017, 2018, Gold Medal in Judo in Madhya Pradesh Senior State Championship 2018; Gold Medal in Judo in RGPV University state Championship 2013,2016-17,2017-18. Nosheen has dedicated all her achievements to her maternal grandparents and her mother who motivated and supported her. Nosheen has a bachelor’s in engineering (B.E.) from Mahakal Institute of Technology Ujjain.   She provides pro-bono self-defence classes to more than 2000 girls in Ujjain and Ratlam.  The aim of her life is to empower girls and women in the field of their interest and train them for self - defence.   Links/References

RBTC Madhya Pradesh Honoree. NUZHAT MASIH PARWEEN. International Cricket. Former football captain, Madhya Pradesh under-16 team. Singrauli, M.P.  Click side arrow for profile details. 

SHINING AT NATIONAL AND STATE LEVELS IN  CRICKET AND FOOTBALLNuzhat Masih Parween (born 5 September 1996) is a  cricketer who plays as a wicketkeeper in India’s women’s cricket team. A multi-talented athlete, Nuzhat is a former football captain of the Madhya Pradesh under-16 football team. Before getting into cricket, she represented Madhya Pradesh in the football Nationals and was a 100 meters gold medalist in state athletics. Nuzhat is the first Indian player to make it to the national team within just 5 years.Nuzhat’s  journey in cricket started in 2011 when a women's team for an inter-district tournament was formed in Singrauli. Nuzhat, who was a junior national football player then, was invited to be part of the team. She started out as a wicketkeeper, in the inter-district cricket competition, representing the Singrauli team. Based on her performance, she was given a special place in Madhya Pradesh's Under-19 Women's Cricket Team. Later she was selected as vice-captain in the Central Zone under-19 women's cricket team. She made her debut for the Indian national team in November 2016, in a Twenty20 International series against the West Indies. She made her Women's One Day International cricket (WODI) debut against Ireland in the 2017 South Africa Quadrangular Series in May 2017. She also plays for Railways in the Women's Senior One Day Trophy and Women's Senior T20 Trophy.  Nuzhat took coaching under coach Aril Anthony of the Rewa Divisional Cricket Association. She would travel by bus from Singrauli to Rewa, nine hours by road, for 15–20 days in 3 months to practice under her coach.  Parween was born in Singrauli to Masih Alam and Nasima Begum. Her parents took the decision to admit her to a well-known private school to bring Parween the opportunities she needed. In her Class 12th, despite missing classes due to practices, she scored 91.8% (Commerce). Her family was quite supportive of her sports activities, but however, she faced some societal pressure. According to Nuzhat, this changed after her participation in the 2017 World Cup. Nuzhat is pursuing a B. Com via distance education course, while pursuing cricket dreams.Links/References

RBTC Madhya Pradesh Honoree.  SAYYEDA MASSOMA FATIMA, National Skating Champion. Winner of 84 medals to date. Bhopal. Click side arrow for profile details. 

NATIONAL SKATING CHAMION SINCE AGE OF 4 YEARS Sayyeda Masooma Fatima,16,  is a national skating champion. She has an impressive tally of 84 medals won from the age of four till date. She has won numerous awards including the National Child Award, Charchit Chehra Award, National Child Award 2013,  Silver Medal from Governor, Government of Madhya Pradesh in 2014,  CBSE West Zone Roller Skating championship Kolhapur, and many more. Masooma is also a national level rope skipper and has participated in the CBSE national rope skipping championship, held in Amritsar, Punjab. Apart from sports, she is a popular advocate of government's 'Beti Bachao Abhiyan' since years.Established in 2009, the Sayyeda Masooma Fatima Skating Training in Ibrahimpura, Bhopal provides top rated skating classes.  Links/References

RBTC Madhya Pradesh Honoree.  SHUMALAYA KHAN,  Rhythmic Gymnast. Founder and Head Coach, Bhopal Gymnastic Academy, Bhopal , M.P.  Click side arrow for profile details. 

JOURNEY OF EXCELLENCE IN GYMNASTICS FROM CHAMPION TO COACH  Shumayala Khan, born on 7 January 1996, is an Indian rhythmic gymnast with an impressive career. She has achieved the title of three-time state-level champion and national silver medalist in rhythmic gymnastics. With an extensive eight-year career as a professional gymnast, Shumayala Khan has secured a consistent position as a state champion for 3 consecutive years. She also earned a silver medal in the Rhythmic Open Championship. Shumayala is also a national-level rhythmic and artistic gymnastics judge. She recently represented Madhya Pradesh as a judge at the Khelo India Youth Games 2023 held in Gwalior. Furthermore, she is recognized as a National Brevet Judge for both rhythmic and artistic gymnastics.Shumayala’s contributions extend beyond her personal achievements. As the Head Female Coach at Tatya Tope Stadium in Bhopal, she has nurtured and developed many state-level champions and national-level athletes. Her dedication led her to found The Bhopal Gymnastics Academy, the first-ever private gymnastics academy for girls in the region. Notably, she holds a diploma in NIS (National Institute of Sports), a prestigious course that prepares elite coaches for sports. Shumayala's impact on the gymnastics scene doesn't stop there. In 2016, she took on the role of Head Coach at Tatya Tope Nagar Stadium in Bhopal. Under her guidance, the stadium witnessed an influx of state and national-level gymnasts, with an impressive count of 10 national and inter-university participations. Her gymnasts have represented at the 36th National Games in Gujarat and the Senior National Championship in Punjab. Among her accomplishments are producing 8-10 state-level senior champions and numerous national-level gymnasts. She is also actively training upcoming sub-junior and junior gymnasts.Currently, as the Founder and Head Coach of The Bhopal Gymnastics Academy, Shumayala Khan continues to make a difference. She has trained four Khelo India gymnasts, six university-level gymnasts, four juniors, and five sub-juniors, all of whom show promise as future medalists. Her dedication to the sport and her efforts in coaching and mentoring have left an indelible mark on the gymnastics community in India.

Change Makers in Social Development  

RBTC Madhya Pradesh Honoree. KAISER ZAMAN. Educationist. Chairperson, All Saints College. Founder of All Saints College of Technology. Bhopal. Hometown: Kurwai. Click side arrow for profile details. 

A REMARKABLE JOURNEY OF UNWAVERING DEDICATION TO EDUCATION AND SOCIAL WELFARE
Kaisar Zaman, a woman of distinction, broke barriers by pursuing education in the 90s. She holds a masters of arts with honours degree from the School of English Language and Literature at Somerville College, Oxford (1957-1960). She also obtained a bachelor of education from Barkatullah University, Bhopal, and completed a course in International Studies from London School of Economics. Her interests span across education, social work, rural development, women and youth welfare. She is a descendant of the princely state of Kurwai, British India. 
Affectionately known as Kaisar Bia, she stepped into politics and played a significant role as Vice President of Madhya Pradesh Youth Congress (1970-1975), as well as a nominated member of the All India Congress Committee in 1975. Her dedication to serving her constituents led her to contest the Madhya Pradesh State Assembly Election on the Congress Ticket in 1980. From 1975 to 1999, she served as the President of the Municipal Council of Kurwai, receiving the National Unity Award in 1990.
With an unwavering commitment to education, she assumed the role of Secretary for the Kurwai Education Society. Under her guidance, All Saints School, Bhopal was founded, where she has been the Principal since 1989.
Kaisar Zaman's leadership contributions extend to various forums, including:- Member, Madhya Pradesh Social Welfare Board (1981-1983)- Chairperson, Madhya Pradesh Junior Services Selection Board (August 1983 - August 1986)- Chairperson, Madhya Pradesh Film Development Corporation (December 1988 to March 1990)- Ex-Member of Executive Council, Barkatullah University- Ex-Member of the Executive Body Representative of Barkatullah University for Madhya Pradesh Board of Secondary Education- Member, MP State Women's Commission (Rajya Mahila Ayog) from 1998 to 2001, and 2001 to 2004- Chairperson, Governing Committees of All Saints Group of Institutions, Bhopal, focusing on English, Personality Development, Communication Skills, and Counseling for Pre-primary to Senior School and College Students- Ex-Vice-President, Asian Academy of Education and Culture
 References:

RBTC Madhya Pradesh Honoree. MUMTAZ UMMID, Social Activist. Founding Secretary of Elia Sewa Parishad, Bhopal, M.P. Click side arrow for profile details. 

EMPOWERING UNDERPRIVILEGED COMMUNITIES 
Begum Mumtaz Ummid is a renowned Indian social worker who has dedicated the past 32 years to uplifting underprivileged communities. Her efforts have been instrumental in bringing positive change to backward and marginalised groups. She organised Madhya Pradesh's first AIDS awareness exhibition and received an award from the then Governor of Madhya Pradesh. Her work spans a wide range of areas, including Skill Development, Medical camps, Adult education, Child education, Computer education, LPG safety awareness, blood donation camps, Food distribution, Medicines distribution, Books and Stationary distribution, as well as various training programs for women and children in remote and underserved areas.
As the founding secretary of Elia Sewa Parishad, she has played a pivotal role in establishing the organisation as a pioneer in social work in Madhya Pradesh. Her dedication has earned her several awards, including recognition from the former Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Mr. Babulal Gaur. She has taken the initiative to establish a school for children from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Her organisation's consistent contributions have made a significant impact on society.

RBTC Madhya Pradesh Honoree.  SABA ALI KHAN, Mutawali, Auqaf-e-Shahi. Bhopal. Click side arrow for profile details. 

CHIEF TRUSTEE (MUTAWALLI) OF THE AUQAF-E-SHAHI

Saba Ali Khan Pataudi is an Indian jewellery designer and the Chief Trustee (mutawalli) of the Auqaf-e-Shahi, a royal charitable endowment established by the princely state of Bhopal.

The Auqaf-e-Shahi, a charitable trust endowed by the royal family of the princely state of Bhopal, manages a portfolio worth Rs 1200 crore. This portfolio primarily consists of various real estate properties, both religious and otherwise, located in Bhopal, as well as properties in Mecca and Medina in Saudi Arabia. Traditionally, a family member or the ruler of the state of Bhopal served as the mutawalli, responsible for overseeing the trust's assets for philanthropic purposes. Indian cricket captain Mansoor Ali Khan, also known as the titular Nawab of Bhopal, served as the mutawalli until his passing in 2011. Following his death, Saba assumed the position of Deputy Trustee (naib mutawalli) under her father and later took on the role of Chief Trustee.

During her tenure as mutawalli, Auqaf-e-Shahi has acquired additional properties in Mecca. In 2016, Saba announced that the Waqf tribunal had declared 34 acres of land around the Shahi Qabristan in Bhopal to be owned by Auqaf-e-Shahi. The proceeds from the monetization of this land would be used to enhance educational and healthcare institutions in Bhopal.

RBTC Madhya Pradesh Honoree. SAFIA AKHTAR. Qazi, trained judge of Sharia Court, Bhopal Madhya Pradesh. Click side arrow for profile details. 

ONE OF THE FIRST WOMEN QAZI’s (MUSLIM CLERIC) IN INDIA 
Safia Akhtar, an advocate for the rights of Muslim women strongly believes that the patriarchal interpretations of Sharia law unjustly deprive Muslim women of equality and justice. Determined to make a change, she enrolled in a program aimed at training women as Qazis (judges of Sharia courts). This initiative is supported by Darul Uloom Niswaan (DUN), an Islamic learning and theology centre established by the Bharatiya Muslim Mahila Andolan (BMMA).
As the Madhya Pradesh state convenor for the Bharatiya Muslim Mahila Andolan (BMMA), Akhtar once orchestrated a press conference that featured several women sharing their stories related to 'triple talaq.' Collectively, they advocated for a divorce process that adheres to the guidance provided by the Quran – a process that unfolds over a specified duration and incorporates the option for reconciliation.
Safia's remarkable journey has been documented by filmmaker Farha Khatun in her film "Holy Rights." This documentary intricately captures Safia's narrative. Crafted over a span of six years, this poignant film not only sheds light on Safia's personal journey but also illuminates the experiences of other women facing similar challenges. Amid a predominantly male-dominated society, these women courageously strive to reclaim their stories and challenge established norms.
Sources/References

RBTC Madhya Pradesh Honoree. SHAMSHAD BEGUM. Social Worker. Padma Shri Award Recipient (2012). Home Town: Balod, Chattisgarh ( Formerly Madhya Pradesh). Click side arrow for profile details. 

MAKING AN IMPACT EDUCATING AND EMPOWERING MARGINALISED WOMEN  
Shamshad Begum, a social worker from Balod district, is renowned for her dedicated efforts in advancing the education of marginalized communities in Chhattisgarh, including Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and others. In recognition of her exceptional contributions, Shamshad Begum was bestowed the Padma Shri award by the Government of India in 2012. 
Shamshad played a pivotal role as the president of a village society within the Gunderdehi block. Her association with the National Literacy Mission Program  marked the beginning of her journey in social service .Within just six months of initiating the Mission activities in Gunderdehi in 1995, Shamshad Begum and her team successfully empowered 12,269 women with literacy skills out of a total of 18,265 illiterate women. 
Even after the campaign concluded, Shamshad continued her social initiatives, taking on causes like combating illegal land encroachments and advocating for the closure of liquor shops. Ms. Begum made remarkable progress by establishing 1,041 self-help groups in Balod district. Their collective savings surpassed $2 million and enabled the establishment of cottage industries such as soap making and crafting bullock cartwheels. Additionally, they set up a Mahila Bhavan (Women's Center). 
The foundation of the Women’s Commandos Brigade was laid in 2006 by Shamshad Begum. She was the catalyst in bringing together around 100 women who committed violence in their homes at the hands of drunken men. Some of them were also victims of human trafficking who, after being rescued, took it upon themselves to fight for basic human rights for members of their society.  Shamshad Begum is associated with Sahyogi Jankalyan Samiti, a social welfare organisation dedicated to the education and well-being of women and children. References/Links

RBTC Madhya Pradesh Honoree. SHAZIYA SHEIKH. Public Health and Community Development Expert, Piramal Swasthya. Bhopal, M.P. Click side arrow for profile details. 

PUBLIC HEALTH AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT EXPERTShaziya Sheikh, a public health and community development expert, with a rich background of over 15 years in the public health sector across India and the Gulf region.  Shaziya's extensive journey encompasses diverse roles, including associations with organizations such as NHM (MP), NI, UNICEF, Piramal Swasthya, NITI Aayog's Aspirational District Transformation Project, and the THC (Tribal Health Collaborative in partnership with the Ministry of Tribal Affairs), alongside ventures in the corporate sector. Shaziya worked as a Project Manager with XA Group in Dubai, she led a healthcare project focused on maternal and neonatal health. Shazia works as Program Manager within Piramal Swasthya's Center of Excellence team, overseeing impactful public health initiatives. Shaziya contributes to an international organization’s initiative for premature children. She's also a pivotal member of the core team at Brij Bhoomi Foundation, a leading national NGO, where she assumes leadership roles as the National Vice President for Naari Shakti Ko Pranam Manch and the State President of Madhya Pradesh under the BBF platform.Shaziya is based in Bhopal and has a master’s in business administration and a master’s degree in social work and sociology.References/Sources

Administering Quality Education  

RBTC Madhya Pradesh Honoree. AFSHAN JAFRI. Educationist. NAAC Coordinator, Government Geetanjali Girls College, Bhopal. Bhopal Madhya Pradesh. Click side arrow for profile details. 

ENSURING EDUCATIONAL QUALITY AND ACCREDITATION
Dr. Afshan Jafri is an Assistant Professor in the Department of English at Government Geetanjali Girls' College, Bhopal. She stands as a beacon of inspiration for students, nurturing their self-reliance. With an academic journey spanning 32 years, her most formidable task involves teaching English language and literature to women who are first-generation learners and hail from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
Dr. Jafri’s impactful contributions extend to the assessment and accreditation of her college by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) in Bengaluru, where she serves as the Internal Quality Assurance Cell coordinator. She currently holds the role of NAAC coordinator within her college. 
Dr. Jafri has authored research papers published in both national and international journals. Her academic excellence is underscored by her victory in the quiz competition organized by The British Council Library, Bhopal (now Swami Vivekanand Library), back in 1995. 
Beyond academics, Afshan channels her passion for art through painting, mosaic art, and the traditional craft of lippan kaam. Afshan’s interests extend to gardening, interior decoration, and landscaping, all of which she practices altruistically. She has recently launched her YouTube channel named "Life Rang-Birangi," reflecting her multifaceted approach to life.
References/Sourceshttps://www.facebook.com/afshan.jafri.98

RBTC Madhya Pradesh Honoree. AFSHAN NAVID Senior Teacher & Vice Principal at International Public School, Bhopal. Click side arrow for profile details

PASSIONATE EDUCATIONIST & COACH FOR THREE DECADES
Afshan Navid is the Vice Principal and senior teacher at International Public School affiliated to CBSE at Bhopal. Afshan started her working career at the prestigious Jawaharlal Nehru School in 1987 and has had a long and acclaimed career spanning three decades. Regarded as one of the best English teachers she has also worked in Sagar Public school and Carmel convent Bhopal.  
Afshan has served on many committees of government and private schools and worked for curriculum development in English. She has also served on the selection board of armed forces and has coached and guided scores of students in her career. Ms. Navid is known in Bhopal as one of the ablest English teachers for classes 11 & 12th.  A remarkable individual, she not only imparts knowledge but also ignites a lifelong love for language and literature, she has been awarded as the best teacher several times in the institutions where she has worked. Coaching, guiding, and teaching English is her passion, she also works with underprivileged children and those  with learning disabilities. 
Afshan was born and brought up in Bhopal and studied in central school and later in St. Joseph’s Convent school Bhopal. She did her masters in English Literature from MLB College Bhopal. 
References/Sourceshttps://instagram.com/afshannavid?igshid=NzZhOTFlYzFmZQ==

RBTC Madhya Pradesh Honoree. FAIQA SAULAT KHAN. Educationalist. Founder and  Director, Principal Trailblazers International School. Bhopal Madhya Pradesh. Click side arrow for profile details. 

A LEADERSHIP JOURNEY OF  FOSTERING EXCELLENCE SCHOOL EDUCATION
Dr. Faiqa Saulat Khan has an illustrious  career as an educationist, dedicated to providing the finest school education. With almost 30 years of experience in the field of education, Faiqa possesses a wealth of distinguished service and is adept at shaping young minds into responsible global citizens. She  was the Founder Principal of Global Indian International School, Indore, where her leadership resulted in the school being recognized as the 'Best Emerging School of Madhya Pradesh' by Digital Learning and the State Government of Madhya Pradesh. She was Founder Principal of NRI Global Discovery School, Bhopal and is now the Director and Principal of Trailblazers International School, Bhopal, since 2016. Faiqa was also Head of the Social Science Department at St. Joseph's Convent Senior Secondary School in Bhopal, where she embarked on her educational journey, actively pursuing numerous courses and workshops to enhance her teaching methodologies.
Some of her many awards and recognitions include:  National Winner of the BOLT (Broad Outlook Learner Teacher’s) Award, for 2007-2008; National Winner West zone, EQFI Award 2008 (Education Quality Foundation of India); National Winner TCS-EW Award 2009, for the best innovative teacher in the Secondary school category (Tata Consultancy Services and Education World); Educator of the year 2013, by the National Olympiad Foundation;  Shikha Ratna National Educator Award 2018 by CED Foundation; Outstanding Woman Educator Award 2019 by NFED (National Foundation for Entrepreneurship Development);  Highly Effective Principal Award 2018, by Alert Knowledge Services; Rex Karamveer Global Education Change Champions School Award 2019.
Furthermore, Dr. Khan has left her mark on the education landscape through her insightful contributions aimed at improving the system. She has penned articles for newspapers and magazines, providing her valuable perspectives. Her commitment to advancing education led her to attend the C.S.S.J UN Conference at the United Nations Organization headquarters in New York, USA. In addition to her professional accomplishments, Dr. Khan is an advocate for causes close to her heart. She champions girl child education and engages in hobbies like shooting, gardening, and painting.
References/Sources

RBTC Madhya Pradesh Honoree. SHAHNAZ MANSOOR KHAN.  Founder & President, Fairy Convent School. Bhopal. Click side arrow for profile details

DILIGENT EDUCATOR & SOCIAL ACTIVIST 
Ms. Shahnaz Mansoor is the Founder and President of Fairy Convent School, Bhopal which was established in August 1990. Shahnaz has a passion for changing the lives of her students and always taking steps for the upliftment of financially deprived children. Many of the students in her school are from humble backgrounds who are passionate about gaining education but cannot afford it and are provided scholarships for their studies.  4000 children have gained knowledge from her institution and stand well in society while 30 percent of students are studying with free education.  Her school has also been awarded every year for successfully conducting science and math’s Olympiads. 
Ms. Shahnaz is associated with numerous charitable organizations. She gives back the society as a woman, mentor, scholar, and social worker together. She is regularly invited by several schools to be a mentor and to address the students as well as parents at annual events and share her ideas on the education system and how to improve the quality of education as well as living for the betterment of the society. Shahnaz gives credit to her parents and husband for motivating her to pursue her goal of establishing her school to provide quality education to children. 
With a long and rewarding history of achievement in education, Shahnaz’s institution continues to move forward with confidence, pride, and enthusiasm. She has received several awards and recognition for her work including the valuable Nari Samman from Bhopal's Mayor Mrs. Vibha Patel. She was also awarded the Best Administrator Award and was recognized by the National HELPAGE INDIA Organization in 2015 for her passionate work for the old-age homes. Ms. Mansoor is a bright alumna of St. Joseph's Convent School Bhopal which enriched her with values and morals and scholarly brilliance. She was the recipient of shining trophies and meritorious certificates throughout her school journey.
Shahnaz is a proud mother of four children. She single-handedly brought up her children after her husband demise in 2004. Her 3 daughters are all well qualified and working and son is pursuing graduation from UCL London
References/Sources

RBTC Madhya Pradesh Honoree. SHEEMA KHAN. Founder & Principal, Wee Kids Kindergaten School, Bhopal. Click side arrow for profile details. 

A LIFETIME TO CHILDREN’S EDUCATION  Sheema Khan is the Founder & Principal of Wee Kids Kindergarten School, established in 2012. With over 20 years of diverse experience in the education sector, Ms. Khan's journey has been marked by notable contributions to various schools.Sheema's teaching career began at All Saints School in Bhopal, where she worked for two years. She then joined Crescent School in Delhi for another two years. Following this, she embraced the opportunity to work at Westwind Kindergarten Bal Bhavan School in Bhopal for four years. Subsequently, she contributed to Billabong High Kangaroo Kids in Bhopal for an additional four years. She later transitioned to Mayur School, associated with the esteemed Mayo College Ajmer, where she taught for three years.Mrs. Sheema Khan embodies a seeker's spirit. She actively seeks to discover her life's purpose and dedicates herself to living in alignment with it. She recognizes that living her purpose not only brings meaning and fulfilment to her own life but also uplifts the lives of those around her. Moreover, she is dedicated to providing education to those who lack the means to educate themselves.References/Sources:

RBTC Madhya Pradesh Honoree. YASMIN QURESHI . Principal, HS Government High School, Shahpur, Bhopal. Click side arrow for profile details. 

THREE DECADES OF DEDICATED SERVICE IN SCHOOL EDUCATION 
Yasmin Qureshi is  the principal of HS Government High School, Shahpur Bhopal. Until recently she was Principal of the Government High School, Deewanganj in Raisen district. Yasmin has a remarkable 32-years of service in the education field. She began her educational journey as a lecturer in 1990 and later was promoted to the position of Principal in 2012.
Born and raised in Bhopal, Yasmin Qureshi hails from a family with a background in administrative services.  Her educational journey began with schooling at St. Joseph's Convent School, followed by graduation at the Bhopal School of Social Sciences and a post-graduation in English from MLB College, Bhopal. She also has a master’s in education. Yasmin served as principal at High School Agariya, situated in the remote area of Ghairatganj. This challenging role provided her with the opportunity to work diligently towards the betterment of school students. Her dedication led to her nomination for the President's Award during Teacher's Day celebrations.
Beyond her educational roles, Yasmin Qureshi actively participates in charitable organizations and NGOs, contributing to the social and moral upliftment of marginalized and underprivileged sections of society. Her aspirations encompass the establishment of a modern amenity school and an orphanage to support economically disadvantaged children. Her farmhouse at Khamkheda serves as a school for Quran recitation and learning. Her dedication reflects her commitment to education, social welfare, and community upliftment.
References/Sources

Global Inspirations from Madhya Pradesh  across the World  ( 7  in alphabetical order)

Making their mark in  United States ( Texas, New Jersey), United Kingdom (London), Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur),  New Zealand  (Wellington) and Oman (Muscat)

RBTC Madhya Pradesh Honoree. AZRA MOEED. Author, Senior Lecturer for School of Education at Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand. Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit. Home Town: Bhopal, M.P. Click side arrow for profile details. 

DEDICATED SCIENCE EDUCATIONIST: MEMBER OF THE NEW ZEALAND ORDER OF MERITDr. Azra Moeed is a senior lecturer and Curriculum Leader for Science Education at Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand. Her research interests encompass science education, science teaching, and environmental education. Over her 46-year teaching career in New Zealand, Azra has instructed students in early childhood, primary, and secondary schools. She also contributed to science teacher education between 2000 and 2020. She believes this has provided an insight into the New Zealand learner at all stages of their learning journey.Throughout her career, Dr. Moeed has received teaching awards for her excellence, including the NiETA Excellence in Teaching award (1996), Victoria University of Wellington Excellence in Teaching award (2014), and the National Ako Aotearoa Tertiary Excellence in Teaching (2016). In recognition of her contributions to science education and the community, she was made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) in 2020.Dr. Moeed completed her PhD in 2010. Her passion for science education research led her to supervise multiple doctoral theses. She has conducted research on teaching and learning through science investigation in various schools, including indigenous Māori schools.  With over 40 journal articles and chapters in books, Dr. Moeed is also the author of six books. Starting as a primary school teacher in Lower Hutt, she became a science and biology teacher at Upper Hutt College. Later, she served as the Head of the Department of Science and eventually held the position of senior lecturer at Wellington College of Education in 2000. Azra’s dedication to science education makes her a valuable asset in New Zealand's educational landscape. References/Sources

RBTC Madhya Pradesh Honoree. FATEMA ZAMAN SHERVANI, CEO, Noor-By-Amy, A Women's Collective creating jewelry collections for modern women. London, United Kingdom. Featured in British Vogue August 2021. Home Town: Bhopal. Click side arrow for profile details. 

AN INNOVATIVE WOMEN'S COLLECTIVE CREATING JEWELRY FOR MODERN WOMENFatema Zaman Shervani established Noor-By-Amy, a multinational and multi-faith collective of women who collaborate to craft exquisite jewelry collections for the modern woman. Created by Fatema, who served as CEO, and her sister Aamna Zaman, alongside their lead designer, Noor-By-Amy is a London-based venture that unites designers, artisans, and craftswomen, pooling their diverse skills to conceive and produce limited editions of handmade collections using traditional techniques and materials.As a united collective, they encompass roles such as mothers, entrepreneurs, skilled craftswomen, jewelers, designers, and gem specialists. Spanning ages from 30 to 80, each member brings a lifetime of experience from their respective fields, synergizing to create captivating pieces in precious metals that evoke pride.  Noor also offers custom-made jewelry, catering to customer designs and the replication of items such as grandmothers' rings and others. Noor-By-Amy was featured in the August 2021 issue of British Vogue, alongside other accomplished jewelry artists from the United Kingdom.References/Sources

RBTC Madhya Pradesh Honoree. IRAM DASTAGIR KHAN. Director at Six Dimensions LLC Directedge. Muscat Oman. Home Town: Bhopal M.PClick side arrow for profile details. 

 ESTABLISHING AND OPERATING HER OWN BUSINESSES IN OMAN Iram Dastagir Khan is an Oman based business woman who has been successfully operating her own advertising agency, 'Directedge' (a unit of Six Dimensions LLC) at Oman for the past 13 years. Her agency caters to the advertising and marketing needs of a diverse clientele including prestigious brands such as Audi, Malabar Gold and Diamonds, Nissan, Honda, Nestle, Omantel, Ooredoo, Landmark Group, and various government bodies. Iram embarked on a new journey with 'The Nawabs,' a Lucknow cuisine restaurant in Muscat.Iram received her primary education at an Anglo-Indian School in Jabalpur. Subsequently, she continued her education at St. Joseph Convent School in Bhopal. She completed her graduation in business management from Bhopal School of Social Sciences, followed by a Master’s in Business Administration, and a Master of Arts in psychology where she secured the top position in the University. She holds a diploma in Advertising and Public relations and Business English Certification from Cambridge (U.K)Balancing work and studies, she embarked on a professional journey while pursuing her part-time MBA studies, during which she committed herself to the Hospitality Industry at ITC Welcome Heritage Property in Bhopal. Here she  contributed to transforming "The Noor-us-Sabah Palace" into a hotel. Iram also worked in Program Coordination with The Hindustan Times PACE. In this capacity, she collaborated with companies including Coca-Cola, BSNL, and Airtel, along with schools throughout the city. She had a prospect to be the Academic Associate to IIM Indore. Her newspaper articles and talks on a diverse range of subjects garnered her numerous accolades and recognition. Iram, taught students in BBA, BCOM, BCA, and even MBA programs, commencing just a month after completing her own MBA degree.Iram was also selected as a ghazal artist in the graded category by the regional All India Radio Bhopal. Iram, with an intent to expand the reach of her talent, has started her own Youtube Channel @iramdastagirkhan786 featuring song covers of some Indian and English timeless pieces as well as the new-coming trends, all regardless of genre. Inspired by her late father, a champion in the sport, she recently took up lawn tennis. While not yet a champion, she has already entered tournaments and is dedicated to improving her skills. For Iram, each day brings fresh challenges, and as she conquers one skill, a new challenge invariably emerges. Firmly rooted in her Islamic faith, she draws strength from her Sujoods (prostration in prayer).References/Sources

RBTC Madhya Pradesh  Honoree. NAGHMA AHMED , Global Head - Front Office Supervision, HSBC Global Banking and Markets. London, UK. Hometown: Bhopal. Click side arrow for profile details. 

CORPORATE EXECUTIVE LEADER IN RISK MANAGEMENTNaghma Ahmed currently leads risk management for Front Office Supervision at HSBC Global Banking and Markets based in London, UK. She is Director of Non-Financial Risk Management focusing on Supervision in a role that combines her passion for technology with risk management. Ms. Ahmed is responsible for setting strategy and vision leading multiple initiatives to help senior management deal with the risks of misconduct and unauthorized trading that can lead to a banking crisis.Attracted by the emerging field of computers in the 1980s, Naghma followed her passion and graduated in 1992 as one of the first couple of cohorts of Computer Engineering from Barkatullah University, Bhopal. As a student, she led multiple initiatives as the female student representative to lobby key ministers and ensure the department was properly resourced and supported. Moving to the UK as a single mother with a young child in 2001, Ms. Ahmed rose from her first job as a developer to team lead and then senior consultant. She has worked earlier with Barclays as Change Project Manager and with JP Morgan Chase in London. She softly broke the typical stereotypes around her to build confidence of management to trust her to take on key path breaking initiatives in the emerging field of electronic trading during the  2000s.  Naghma credits the support of her family and friends' support to build a career in the investment bank world, working and learning from seniors and peers. Outside of work, Naghma is an avid follower of architecture and design and welcomes new experiences. She has been involved in mentoring young women to join STEM focused streams and loves gently coaxing new generations of girls into moving beyond limiting self-beliefs. References/Sources

RBTC Madhya Pradesh Honoree. RANA ALIPulmonologist. Program director sleep medicine fellowship program, Ocean, New Jersery. USA Home Town: Bhopal. Click side arrow for profile details.

Rana Yusuf Ali completed her MBBS in 1995 from Gandhi Medical College, Bhopal. She moved to USA in 1997 after getting married. Rana completed her residency in Internal Medicine and fellowship in Pulmonary Medicine from the Brooklyn Hospital Center (TBHC) in Brooklyn, New York and was recognized for her academic excellence at TBHC. Rana joined TBHC as a faculty member in the Pulmonary and Critical Care Department and was appointed as an Assistant Professor of Clinical Medicine at Weill Cornell Medical College, Cornell University.Rana has been practicing since 2005 and is a partner at Shore Pulmonary, a prestigious Pulmonary and Critical Care physician group located in New Jersey. She is an Assistant Professor of Clinical Medicine at the Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine in New Jersey. Rana launched the Sleep Medicine Fellowship Program and is the Program Director at the Ocean University Medical Center. She also serves as faculty for Pulmonary Medicine at Jersey Shore University Medical Center and faculty of Internal Medicine at Ocean University Medical Center. Rana teaches medical students and internal medicine residents and trains pulmonary fellows and has received numerous awards for teaching during her career. Rana has been recognized multiple times as a Top Doctor in Pulmonary Medicine by her peers in New Jersey.In early 2020, the New York / New Jersey area was the epicenter of the COVID pandemic outbreak and Rana was one of the front-line Pulmonary / Critical Care physicians treating numerous COVID patients in New Jersey. Rana, along with her colleagues in Shore Pulmonary, was recognized for her fortitude and sacrifice in treating COVID patients during this trying period. At the peak of the COVID outbreak in early 2021 in India, Rana advised front-line physicians in India on how to effectively manage COVID patients and she continues to remotely provide pro-bono medical services to patients in India. Rana also collaborated with organizations such as American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) to collect and distribute essential medical equipment from USA to hard hit hospitals in India. Rana has the support of her loving husband and is the mother of two beautiful children.  Sources/references:

RBTC Madhya Pradesh Honoree. TAHIRA SYED Real Estate Agent,  Houstan, Texas. United States. Home Town: Bhopal. Click side arrow for profile details. 

TOP PRODUCING REAL ESTATE AGENTTahira Syed has a wealth of expertise in real estate in buying and selling properties. She is a real estate agent with Compass Real Estate, based in Houston, Texas, specifically servicing Bellaire, West U and Houston neighborhoods. Tahira's commitment to providing up-to-date and accurate information ensures the highest level of service tailored for the client's unique requirements. Her in-depth knowledge of the area, coupled with her ability to identify the right home at the right price, guarantees a seamless and satisfying real estate experience.Tahira has a bachelor’s degree in political science from MLB College, Bhopal, and specialized training from the Champions School of Real Estate in Texas. Tahira possesses an educational foundation and practical skills that set her apart in the industry. Fluent in English, Hindi, and Arabic, she bridges language barriers to effectively communicate and assist a diverse clientele. Tahira's commitment goes beyond mere transactions; she helps to find the perfect home at the right price, ensuring it aligns with your essential criteria and neighborhood amenities that matter most to you. Tahira is equipped to handle the entire process for clients making a move – from advertising your home and showcasing it to potential buyers, to skillfully negotiating purchase contracts and overseeing inspections. This commitment level has helped her build a remarkable track record of delivering results. References/Sources

RBTC Madhya Pradesh Honoree. TAZYEEN ZAHRA ABIDI. Managing Director. Zains International Company. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Home Town: Bhopal, M.P . Recipient of the "Muslim World Rania Award  2019". Click side arrow for profile details. 

A GLOBAL INSPIRATION IN BUSINESSTazyeen Zahra Abidi is the Founder and Chairperson of Zain's International, a company she formed in Malaysia more than a decade ago.  Ms. Abidi started her career with German Multinational Company Schenkers India Ltd in Mumbai and has worked for Canon India and The India Today Group before establishing Zain’s International, Malaysia. With hands-on experience and qualifications Tazyeen has led Zain’s International to greater heights and established it a successful FMCG company with the mission to meet the increasing and diversified demands of the customers by continually providing quality products and reliable services by sourcing from reputed manufacturers and trading partners like Uniliver, Denvar, Bajaj, Macroman.  Ms. Abidi made her foray into FMCG industry with in-house  brands like Go-max – Men’s care range, Sherry’s chocolate treat series. Tazyeen has diversified into the F&B industry with brands like Bollywood Tadka- North Indian Restaurant and  Tazyeen - Arabic & Mughlai Cuisine Restaurant is the latest one to join this family. Throughout her career, Ms. Abidi has been actively involved in numerous social causes both locally as well as internationally. She has been recognized  at prestigious forums including being  invited for the Royal Proclamation from the Royal House of Baloi and the Sultanate of Buayan, where she was conferred the title of Princess (Bai-a-labi na India sa Malaysia na Buayan). Tazyeen was also felicitated as an 'Ambassador of Goodwill'. Tazyeen is associated with various prestigious organizations like: President (Women’s wings) Malaysia Country - International Forum for Anti-Corruption; Goodwill ambassador at URGC Green; International Director of women commission at Socioeconomic Rural Urban Development India - SRUDI, Patron at Elia Seva Parishad, Member Service Representative at Malaysian Exporters Association, Ambassador for Peace at Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process, among others. Some of Tazyeen's noteworthy awards include: The Muslim World Rania Award Recipient 2019;  Dr. Shankar Dayal Sharma Award, Pride of Bhopal, MP. Award, Golden Award of Human Excellence –UNUGP-USA, Medal of Honor CIAC Global. Tazyeen Zahra Abidi hails from Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. Her family lives in Idgah Hills, Bhopal. She has herself spent most part of her life in Bhopal. Her father Dr.  Ali Abbas Ummeed is a renowned Urdu poet.Sources/References:

RBTC MADHYA PRADESH TEAM


RBTC Coordinator Madhya Pradesh:    Faiqa Saulat Khan (Bhopal)RBTC Core Committee Members       Asma Rizwan (Bhopal)Seema Suhail (Delhi)Talat Zamir (Noida)Rakhshan Zahid (Bhopal)          RBTC M.P Research Analyst:           Shifa Qureshi (Itarsi)RBTC M.P Associate:       Manal Ahmad (Bhopal)Design & Formatting                   Zainab Fatima ( Bengaluru)

Rising Beyond The Ceiling which  is   supported by SAFAR Foundation. SAFAR stands for Supporting Action For Advancement & Rights.
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. The excerpts may be freely distributed and shared provided the source #RisingBeyondTheCeiling is referenced and/or hash tagged.   Crea
While the editors 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
"While the focus of Rising Beyond The Ceiling is on journeys travelled by Muslim women achievers from India, the stories will inspire all women and girls in India, and around the world, at every stage of their lives, in all areas of endeavor and open a door to new ambitions..........”     Dr. Farah K. Usmani 
Dr. Farah K. Usmani is the Chairperson & Founder of Rising Beyond The Ceiling, a global initiative to shine a spotlight on the achievements of Muslim women of India and contribute towards changing their stereotypical narrative. Dr. Usmani is an international health and development leader based in New York. She has 25 years of experience working with the United Nations International Civil Service in several countries across all regions of the world and has provided policy, planning, programming, and technical leadership with a focus on women and girls and reproductive health. Dr. Usmani, who has travelled to over fifty  countries, came to the USA in  March 2007 when she was posted to the UN-FPA Headquarters in New York from Nepal, where she worked at the organization’s South and West Asia Office. Prior to joining the United Nations in 1997, Farah worked with the public health sector and bilateral donor programs in India. 
Farah is the recipient of several awards and merit fellowships including from the World Bank and British Council. Besides service recognition awards from the United Nations, she has received the Mahatma Award for Social Impact 2021 for contribution to women, girls, and minorities. Dr. Usmani has broken several gender stereotypes in her professional and personal life. She is the first woman from her home state of Uttar Pradesh, and the first Muslim woman from India, to work with the United Nations International Civil Service at Director level in New York. She was also the first woman to top the All-India Medical Entrance Examination of Aligarh Muslim University in 1978, where she completed her medical studies. 
Dr. Usmani has an M.D. in Obstetrics & Gynecology from Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, AMU, India and  a master’s degree in health policy, planning and financing given jointly by the London School of Economics and the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine. Farah is married with two children, Faraz and Sabah, who are pursuing careers in their chosen fields in the United States.

SHIFA QURESHI, Research Analyst, Rising Beyond the Ceiling, Madhya Pradesh.  Youth Leader, Research Board Manager at Lexsyndicate. Itarsi, Madhya Pradesh. For more information contact shifaaqureshii@gmail.com

I have had my schooling in Saint Josephs' Convent Sr. Sec. School, Itarsi with a passion towards law and to pursue that passion, I applied for B.A.LL. B course, and am now pursuing it at Faculty of Law, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh. I discovered my passion in 10th grade when one of my teachers introduced that Law is not only about advocating rather it is a wide field and you can choose whatever you want to be. 
Apart from knowing laws I love to write because I genuinely believe it is a way to share my opinion to a large number of people and help them to shape their opinion by providing accurate information. My inclination towards content writing is quite organic and is rooted in my insatiable appetite for reading. 
Being a part of this initiative I want to contribute my part in uplifting the unprivileged minorities of our society i.e. women and girls. When I was deciding whether to take a risk of going in the law field or not, if I would have known about these strong women featured on this website I would have been more firm on my decision. I believe this initiative is going to inspire many to take that decision and come out of their shells. 
Looking forward to connecting!Shifa
References/Links
https://www.linkedin.com/in/shifa-qureshi/?originalSubdomain=in
https://www.lexsyndicate.com/post/inhumane-treatment-of-prisoners-in-indian-prisons

SEEMA SUHAIL RIZVI. Social Worker. Education of Marginalized Children. Bhopal Madhya Pradesh. 2010 Recipient of "Women of the Year" award by Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh. 

Seema Suhail Rizvi has been involved with education of marginalized children. Originally from Aligarh, Seema has been living in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh for the past 28 years. Seema is also associated with Doordarshan & All India Radio as Guest Editor.
Seema's story of overcoming her health issue when the lower half of her body was paralyzed during her Master's studies is one of grit and resilience. It took her couple of years to recover. However, Seema went back to her studies to complete her Masters degree with first class. 
Ms. Rizvi believes that education is one of the most important factor for empowering a person or community, which is why her work and passion is in working for the education of marginalized children. This effort was recognized in 2010 when she was honored with the 'Woman of the Year Award' by then-Speaker of the Lok Sabha & Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh. This motivated her to strengthen further her efforts to reach out to under-served communities. In 2013, she also received the 'Woman Pride Award'. 
Seema is an alumnus of the Aligarh Muslim University from Abdullah Nursery to her Master's in Urdu Literature. She received the 'Razia Khanum Memorial Award'  in her graduate studies for scoring the highest marks amongst girl students at the university.  

MANAL AHMAD, Associate, Rising Beyond the Ceiling, Madhya Pradesh. Audit & Assurance Expert, Bhopal. Click side arrow for profile details. 

I was born and brought up in Dubai and shifted my base to Bhopal in the year 2000 due to personal reasons. We are four sisters all in different fields of education. I am an alum of Delhi Public School, Bhopal and have completed my B.com and M.com from Barkatullah University, Bhopal. I am a Qualified Accountant (CA-Inter) from Institute of Chartered Accountants of India.
I am currently working with BDO India LLP as an Associate in the Audit & Assurance department. Previously I have worked with Dilip Buildcon Limited, Bhopal as Sr. Executive-Finance & Accounts department and A R Loya & associates as an article. I currently have five plus years of work experience in the field of audit, finance, and accounts.
Being a national basketball and skating player, I have always been enthusiastic for sports. I am an amateur reader and love to travel. I also love doing social work as my mom is a social worker. I always believe that by helping others one makes a great investment in oneself. As the more you learn, the more you’ll earn. The wisdom one gathers by learning from serving others is the best investment one can make.

References/Linkshttps://www.linkedin.com/in/manal-ahmed-818206150

14. RBTC Madhya Pradesh Honoree. ASMA RIZWAN, Professor of Business Communications, Trainer, Speaker, Writer. People University. Bhopal. Madhya Pradesh. Click side arrow for profile details.

Dr. Asma Rizwan is a Professor of Business Communications and Head at Media college, People’s University. She has an experience of more than 20 years of teaching to Post Graduate students. as an educationist, Master Trainer, Research guide. 
Dr. Rizwan has a PhD in English.  She has  also done DTS, DOT, ELT courses from DOPT . Asma has served as  Examiner for Cambridge University UK for its international English exams; as visiting Faculty at RCVP Noronha Academy of Administration, Police Training & Research Institute, State Institute for agricultural extension & training, CAPT, SSB, SBTI, and MP police state academy, Indian Railways, BHEL & NACIN BPL & Kanpur. Asma was nominated as member on sexual harassment committee of West Central railways.
Asma has designed and trained for communications to Dial 100 Madhya Pradesh. She also designed a module on sensitizing the CID and child welfare officers in sensitive policing and handling child victims . Dr. Rizwan is Involved in training & development of Civil services & state services officers, officers of all cadres & departments including doctors for the past 9 years at the Noronha Academy of administration BPL. Among others she has been a Speaker for Gender sensitization and women’s issues, like work-life balance., Guest speaker at several Govt & Private Colleges, AIR & Doordarshan   and is also a writer, blogger and columnist with several newspapers  
References/Linkshttps://www.linkedin.com/in/asma-rizwan-7552917/

RBTC Madhya Pradesh Coordinator. FAIQA SAULAT KHAN. Educationalist. Founder and  Director, Principal Trailblazers International School. Bhopal Madhya Pradesh. 

Dr. Faiqa Saulat Khan is an eminent educationist currently an  Education Consultant and Leadership trainer for students and educators.  She has earlier served as the Founder Principal of NRI Global Discovery Academy School , Bhopal ,  Founder Principal Global Indian International School, Indore and as H.O.D Social Science Dept at St Joseph’s Convent Senior Secondary school, Bhopal. She has spent almost 30 years in the field of Education and with her wealth of distinguished service , she is ideally equipped to mould the young minds to become responsible global citizens. Currently , she is involved  with her own project and is setting up Trailblazers International School, in Bhopal as Director and Principal , since 2016 . For Dr Faiqa Saulat Khan, Teaching has been a passion. She has been in this field of Education for decades, not only enriching herself but also contributing a great deal. On one hand while on the job as Head of the Department , Social Science at St Josephs Convent School, Bhopal, where she started her career , she completed many courses and attended various workshops to improve her teaching practices. She has also carved a niche for herself in the Education World by sharing her views to improvise this system , by writing articles in Newspapers and Magazines. She has visited the United Nations Organization, headquarters in New York , U.S.A to attend C.S.S.J ,UN Conference. Having spent over 18 yrs as a distinguished teacher, She became the founder Principal of Global Indian International School , Indore .With her able guidance, within a short span of time , her school was recognized as the ‘ Best Emerging School of Madhya Pradesh’ by Digital Learning and State Government of Madhya Pradesh. She then set up NRI Global Discovery School , Bhopal as founder Principal and now as the Founder of Trailblazers International School is committed to her resolve to giving the city of Bhopal , the finest education institution, which ensures the very best for every student in its care. Her commitment and dedication to her profession have seen her winning various prestigious awards and accolades. Having a much respected  family background, she grew up patronizing various hobbies and philanthropic causes. She has been a crusader for girl child education from the very beginning. She has a flair for shooting , gardening and painting. She has been recognized for her proves in all these fields many times. Her motto in life has been to bring out the best in every situation and be the catalyst of progress for the community . She truly leads by example and has set a benchmark of all round excellence for the community . Some of them are: 1.  National Winner of BOLT (Broad Outlook Learner Teacher’s ) Award, Sponsored by AIR INDIA, for 2007-2008 ;2.  National Winner West zone, EQFI Award 2008 (Education Quality Foundation of India (www.eqfi.org)3.  National Winner TCS-EW Award 2009, for best innovative teacher Secondary school category. (Tata consultancy services and Education world)4.  National Finalist, Guruvar Award 2009-2010 , Organized by GEMS Group in India, West Zone, Runner-up , Category: Outstanding Indian Teacher ( www.guruvar.com )5.  National Winner Inspirational Leader of the Year Award 2011-12, by School of Educators ,6.  National Winner Educationist of the Year Award 2012 , by Silverzone Education Foundation .7.  Educator  of the year 2013 , by National Olympiad Foundation.8.  Big Guru Award 2015, by My FM Radio , Bhopal.9.  Shikha Ratna National Educator Award 2018 by CED Foundation.10.   Outstanding Woman Educator Award 2019 by NFED(National Foundation for Entrepreneurship Development)11.   Highly Effective Principal Award 2018 , by Alert Knowledge Services12.   Rex Karamveer Global Education Change Champions School Award 2019. 
For more information contact risingbeyondtheceiling@gmail.com