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By:

Quaid Najmi

4 January 2025 at 3:26:24 pm

Educated Muslims being hounded: Owaisi

Mumbai: AIMIM President Asaduddin Owaisi has flayed what he termed as a ‘media trial’ in the alleged TCS Nashik conversion case and claimed that educated Muslims youth are being deliberately targeted as part of planned ‘hate campaign’, here on Saturday. Reiterating full faith in the judicial process, Owaisi said that justice cannot be handed out through media narratives or television debates and the law must be allowed to take its own course. “We are seeing a very dangerous trend… Now,...

Educated Muslims being hounded: Owaisi

Mumbai: AIMIM President Asaduddin Owaisi has flayed what he termed as a ‘media trial’ in the alleged TCS Nashik conversion case and claimed that educated Muslims youth are being deliberately targeted as part of planned ‘hate campaign’, here on Saturday. Reiterating full faith in the judicial process, Owaisi said that justice cannot be handed out through media narratives or television debates and the law must be allowed to take its own course. “We are seeing a very dangerous trend… Now, educated Muslims are being picked out for orchestrated allegations and media campaigns. This doesn’t augur well for society and justice itself with the media playing the role of the judge and jury,” said Owaisi sharply. Flanked by the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen state President Imtiaz Jaleel, Owaisi also emphatically said that it was wrong to link his party with the TCS case prime accused Nida Khan, “who will be ultimately proven innocent in the courts”. He expressed concerns over the slur campaign driven by malice and political motives against his party as well as Nida Khan in some sections of the media even before the investigations were completed or a judicial scrutiny. “Merely because some allegations have been hurled at a young woman professional, attempts are being made to paint her ‘guilty’ through media trials, even before judicial scrutiny. But, we have complete faith in the judiciary and are confident that the court will eventually exonerate her,” asserted Owaisi. Public Discourse Raising questions on the probe and accompanying public discourse with stress on the alleged recovery of certain ‘evidence’ from Nida Khan’s home, he sharply questioned: “Since when have a burqa, a niqab or religious literature become objectionable… Is wearing a hijab now regarded as evidence of a crime?” He said that these details along with baseless allegations are sensationalism in the media to create further prejudice against the minority community and reflected a deep-rooted hostility aimed at harassing educated Muslim men and women. Owaisi pointed out that a complaint in the TCS Nashik case was filed by a leader linked with the ruling party, and as per the software giant’s statement, Nida Khan was not with its HR Department and transferred even before the controversy erupted, contradicting several media reports. Of the nine cases lodged in the matter till date, in one case, she was accused of hurting religious sentiments, but nobody can comment on it before the court pronounces its verdict, he pointed out. Court Fight Dismissing attempts to drag and link the AIMIM into the row, he referred to a party Municipal Corporator Matin Patel who was booked merely on the basis of certain allegations and vowed to contest the matter in the court. Here Owaisi cited multiple examples of educated Muslims being scrutinised – including in Delhi when some educated youths were arrested for possessing a book by the legendary Urdu poet Mirza Ghalib and they were later released. There was another one from Allahabad where some Muslim boys were targeted for writing an Urdu ‘sher’ (couplet) prompting judicial intervention, and predicted that even in the Nashik TCS case, the truth will ultimately prevail as no criminal charges against Nida Khan may stand. AIMIM to set up voter help-desks AIMIM President and Hyderabad MP, Asaduddin Owaisi said his party is developing a digital application containing electoral records of all 288 Assembly constituencies in Maharashtra for 2002-2024, to help voters in the SIR process. For this, the AIMIM will set up help desk centers in its strongholds to facilitate the process and ensure proper utilisation of voter data. Alleging discrepancies in electoral records, he said such errors create huge problems for the voters, especially the poor or illiterates. Owaisi mentioned how of the nearly 27 lakh names placed in the adjudication list in West Bengal, “90 pc were poor Muslims.” These centers would be open for all Muslims, Buddhists, Christians, Dalits, Adivasis and the general public needing assistance with the electoral records.

Maldives – Where the Ocean Teaches the Heart to Breathe

The ocean gives peace… if the heart is calm.

There are places we visit for sightseeing, and then there are places that quietly transform us from within. The Maldives is one such destination—a paradise where turquoise waters meet endless skies, where the rhythm of waves replaces the noise of busy life, and where every sunset reminds us to slow down and simply live. From the moment you arrive, the air feels lighter, the ocean calmer, and the heart begins to breathe in a rhythm it had long forgotten.


Located in the vast Indian Ocean, southwest of India and Sri Lanka, the Maldives is made up of nearly 1,200 coral islands spread across 26 natural atolls. From above, these islands look like scattered pearls on a blue canvas, surrounded by lagoons shimmering in the sunlight. One of the world’s lowest-lying countries, built almost entirely on coral reefs and sandbanks, the Maldives holds global significance in conversations on climate change and rising sea levels.


Historically, the Maldives has long been connected to the world through trade and culture. Ancient traders from Arabia, South Asia, and Africa passed through these islands, bringing traditions, languages, and beliefs that gradually blended into Maldivian life. Islam became the official religion in the 12th century and continues to shape the lifestyle, architecture, festivals, and daily practices of the people. Today, the Maldives is a peaceful, tourism-driven nation that balances tradition with modern hospitality.


Nature is the true soul of the Maldives. Clear lagoons, vibrant coral reefs, and rich marine life form the backbone of its natural wealth and economy. Fishing and tourism remain the nation’s two main pillars, while protected marine ecosystems add to its beauty and sustainability. Beneath the ocean lies a magical world of manta rays, sea turtles, reef sharks, colourful corals, and playful dolphins. Snorkelling or diving here feels like entering another universe, where nature becomes the greatest artist.


Travelling to the Maldives is convenient, with many international airlines offering direct connections to Velana International Airport in Malé. The best time to visit is between November and April, when the weather is sunny, dry, and ideal for island hopping, snorkelling, and beach relaxation. Even during the monsoon season from May to October, the Maldives remains beautiful, offering fewer crowds and attractive travel deals.


The Maldives offers a perfect blend of cultural charm and scenic beauty across its islands. The capital, Malé, reveals local markets, mosques, and traditional island life. Maafushi is popular for budget-friendly stays and local experiences, while Baa Atoll is known for marine biodiversity and crystal-clear waters. Vaadhoo Island enchants visitors with its glowing bioluminescent beaches that sparkle like stars at night.


Food in the Maldives is simple, fresh, and deeply connected to the sea and tropical landscape. Traditional dishes like mas huni, tuna curry, garudhiya, and coconut-based meals reflect the island lifestyle and cultural influences. Local markets also offer handicrafts, wooden carvings, shell jewellery, and handmade artefacts that reflect Maldivian traditions and craftsmanship.


One of the most touching memories of my Maldives journey came during a quiet evening by the beach. An elderly fisherman, sitting beside his small wooden boat, offered me a fresh coconut and softly said, “Ocean gives peace… if the heart is calm.” That simple moment touched me deeply. It was not just about the sea but about human connection, humility, and gratitude. In that quiet exchange, I understood that the Maldives is not only a destination but also a lesson in simplicity and peace.


Travelling to the Maldives with a group made the experience even more meaningful for me. Managing group travel in such a serene and welcoming country allowed me to use my skills in handling people, coordinating activities, and ensuring everyone felt comfortable throughout the journey. From organising island visits and water sports to managing schedules and hotel check-ins, I experienced the true joy of leadership and teamwork. The peaceful environment and the warmth of its people made group coordination smooth and enjoyable.


This journey taught me that travel is not only about visiting beautiful places but also about understanding people, building trust, and creating shared memories. Watching my group laugh together, enjoy the calm beaches, and experience the beauty of the ocean filled me with deep satisfaction.


For me, the Maldives is more than a destination—it is an emotion that stays quietly in the heart. It is the gentle sound of waves at night, the warmth of strangers’ smiles, the silence of golden sunsets, and the joy of shared travel moments. Even after leaving, a part of my heart remains there—somewhere between the quiet lagoons, glowing sunsets, and endless blue ocean—reminding me that true peace is often found in the simplest of places.


(The writer is a tourism professional and runs a company, Global Voyages. She could be contacted at goglobalvoyages@gmail.com. Views personal.)


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