Author: theokhlatimes

A notable voice in contemporary Urdu literature, Khurshid Akram – who demonstrates his prolific literary taste and sensibility through his fiction, poetry and other writings, recently shared with me his latest collection of nazms (poems), titled Safha Se Bahar (Outside the Page). BY A Naseeb Khan Initially, the title seemed simple but when I looked at it again, this time with more seriousness, I realised how evocative it was, and how powerfully it stirred my curiosity. Even before I could enter into the poet’s world, I found myself contemplating the implications embedded in that phrase. To be honest, the title stayed…

A wreath-laying ceremony was held at Jamia Millia Islamia Cemetery in remembrance of Brigadier Mohammad Usman, MVC, organised by 50 Para Brigade & 10 Dogra. The event was held today, according to the university. Wreath-laying ceremony of Brigadier Mohammad Usman, MVC Vice Chancellor of Jamia Prof. Mazhar Asif, and Registrar of JMI, Prof. Md. Mahtab Alam Rizvi, laid wreaths as a tribute to the memory of the gallant officer who has become a symbol of patriotism, valour, and selfless service to the nation. Brigadier Mohammad Usman was laid to rest in Jamia graveyard after he died on July 3, 1948.…

A two-day hunger strike called by Okhla Vihar residents over the worsening water crisis was called off a day ago. However, residents say there has been no relief so far, as the struggle to secure even a gallon of drinking water continues to disrupt their daily lives and work routines. Mohammad Javed, a local resident who participated in a one-day sit-in followed by a two-day hunger strike, told the OT that while the hunger strike has ended, their struggle for water is far from over. “Residents have still not received any relief,” he said. It is understood that the strike…

Syed Ubaidur Rahman is a New Delhi based author and historian. His latest book, ‘Peaceful Expansion of Islam in India’ is making waves as he has tried to give a different, though right perspective to the idea as to how Islam spread in India. His other books include ‘Forgotten Muslim Empires of South India’, Biographical Encyclopaedia of Indian Muslim Freedom Fighters’, ‘Ulema’s Role in India’s Freedom Movement’ etc. In this interview Syed Ubaidur Rahman talks about his book, the early arrival of Islam in India through merchants from Western and Eastern Coast as well as Muslim Sufis. Anjum speaks with…

Zubair-ur-Rehman offers suggestions to improve railway services. Read the report: Railway-related issues with the aim of resolving them for the benefit of the public were discussed at the 10th meeting of the Zonal Railway Users’ Consultative Committee of North Central Railway held at Hotel Kanha Shyam in Prayagraj two days ago. North Central Railway member Dr Zubair-ur-Rehman in his suggestion to General Manager, North Central Railway highlighted major issues affecting various stations. “From Chola Station on the New Delhi–Howrah rail line to Palwal Railway Station on the New Delhi–Mumbai rail line, the new railway line should be extended via Jewar…

An auto fell into a 7-foot-deep dug-up road in Batla House on Thursday night, according to eyewitnesses. Three passengers were rushed to the hospital for first aid, while the driver appeared to be unharmed after the vehicle was pulled out of the ditch with the help of local residents, said Wajid, who went live on Facebook from the scene. “Look, we are currently near the Batla House stand. A major accident has occurred here. Delhi Jal Board was carrying out work at this spot. Those who come from Jamia Millia Islamia toward Batla House come across this road. There was…

A special delegation from AIMIM Delhi met with Chief Minister Rekha Gupta in Batla House demolition case, according to AIMIM Delhi president Shoaib Jamai. A memorandum was submitted requesting an immediate halt to these actions, including proposed demolition drives being carried out by the DDA in Batla House and other parts of Delhi, he said. “A constructive discussion took place with the Chief Minister, during which all issues were presented in detail. She assured the delegation that she would personally speak to the DDA on this matter and efforts would be made to halt the demolitions. We hope that, keeping…

A video capturing a scuffle inside Al-Shifa Hospital has gone viral, sparking widespread debate in the locality over the state of safety and security within hospital premises. The incident, which has drawn sharp criticism, prompted the hospital’s director to speak to the OT, calling it a “deeply condemnable” episode that not only disrupts a place of healing but also tarnishes the image of the locality and the wider community. Al-Shifa links clash to parking dispute in Shaheen Bagh Hospital PRO Syed Marghoob Zaidi said it is important to clarify that the fight had nothing to do with our staff members…

Professor Mazhar Asif, Sheikh-ul-Jamiah and Professor Muhammad Mehtab Alam Rizvi, Registrar, Jamia Millia Islamia, held a very important and noteworthy meeting with the Union Minister for Minority Affairs, Kiren Rijiju yesterday to discuss the launch of new projects including establishment of Centre for Excellence building, modern laboratories, classrooms and construction of girls’ hostel under the scheme of the Ministry of Minority Affairs, Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karya Karim (PMJVK). Kiren Rijiju promises to approve funding proposals Union Minister Kiren Rijiju appreciated the well-prepared proactive and imaginative roadmap for the future development of the university and pledged full support to the…

Jamia Millia Islamia’s RCA felicitated 32 aspirants who cleared the UPSC Civil Services Exam 2025, celebrating their hard work and success. Read more about the achievers and the event. Jamia’s Residential Coaching Academy (RCA) organised an impressive and grand felicitation ceremony to honour the 32 successful candidates who cleared the UPSC Civil Services, 7 Forest Services, and 6 State and other Central Service Examinations on June 21, at the Conference Hall of FTK-CIT, Jamia. A brief history of Jamia RCA Professor In-charge, RCA, Prof Samina Bano outlined a brief history of the RCA since it was established by the UGC…