Dawoodi Bohras in the media

The one and only free public forum for Bohras. The focus of this forum is the reform movement, the Dawoodi Bohra faith and, of course, the corrupt priesthood. But the discussion is in no way restricted to the Bohras alone.
qutub_mamajiwala
Posts: 1052
Joined: Tue Jul 23, 2013 4:17 am

Re: Dawoodi Bohras in the media

#211

Unread post by qutub_mamajiwala » Wed Nov 19, 2014 1:27 am

bro
cnn, ibn, aajtak is purchased by mukesh ambani
now u deduce from it according to ur common sense

Ibrat
Posts: 31
Joined: Sun Nov 16, 2014 6:38 am

Re: Dawoodi Bohras in the media

#212

Unread post by Ibrat » Wed Nov 19, 2014 1:31 am

qutub_mamajiwala wrote:bro
cnn, ibn, aajtak is purchased by mukesh ambani
now u deduce from it according to ur common sense
Dawoodi Bohras in the media, this news was according to thread title.

CNN/BBC is also run by corrupt US tycoons, but if some reformist or KQ would appear every one will shout on roof top, isnt it?

qutub_mamajiwala
Posts: 1052
Joined: Tue Jul 23, 2013 4:17 am

Re: Dawoodi Bohras in the media

#213

Unread post by qutub_mamajiwala » Wed Nov 19, 2014 3:01 am

yes it is true
just want to highlight the paid media business

kimanumanu
Posts: 607
Joined: Wed Apr 09, 2014 2:16 pm

Re: Dawoodi Bohras in the media

#214

Unread post by kimanumanu » Wed Nov 19, 2014 3:57 am

Ibrat wrote:A Historic event for Sydney jamaat, the Indian Media CNN-IBN and Aaj Tak had come to our masjid to share the views of our community on the historic visit of PM Narendra Modi to Australia.
Gotta give it to kothar for finding a way to damage-limit the fall out from FGM case.

adna_mumin
Posts: 193
Joined: Fri Feb 07, 2014 3:43 pm

Re: Dawoodi Bohras in the media

#215

Unread post by adna_mumin » Sun Nov 23, 2014 7:18 pm

Why Bohra Muslims are so enamoured of Narendra Modi
A hundred Australian Bohras were specially invited to attend Modi's Olympic Park Arena event in Sydney.

http://scroll.in/article/690304/why-boh ... ndra-modi/

asad
Posts: 777
Joined: Thu Dec 29, 2011 12:54 am

Re: Dawoodi Bohras in the media

#216

Unread post by asad » Sun Nov 23, 2014 11:22 pm

qutub_mamajiwala wrote:bro
cnn, ibn, aajtak is purchased by mukesh ambani
now u deduce from it according to ur common sense
Aaj Tak is not owned by Mukesh Ambani but its a very pro BJP channel.

allbird
Posts: 607
Joined: Mon Jun 06, 2005 4:01 am

Re: Dawoodi Bohras in the media

#217

Unread post by allbird » Mon Nov 24, 2014 12:05 am

Truth-Prevails wrote:Article in The Times of India (Mumbai) Page 9
Title : Syedna, uncle told to reply on `nass'
Article Date : 10/08/2014


The 53rd Syedna and his uncle will have to prove they were rightfully conferred with nass or the official anointment to head Dawood Bohra community, the Bombay HC said on Tuesday. Justice Gautam Patel will decide on a suit filed by Khuzema Qutbuddin, uncle of Syedna Muffadal Saifuddin, to declare him Dai-al-Mutlaq or spiritual head. Qutbuddin claims he was privately anointed by his half-brother, the late Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin, in 1965, and asked to reveal it at an appropriate time. The HC said both will have to reply if nass once conferred can be revoked.
Court decides who the Dai is? i though hidden Imam decides this. Which means Dai's both SKQ and SMS does not believe in Imam's anymore !!! What's going on here on ...

DisillusionedDB
Posts: 380
Joined: Mon Jul 07, 2014 7:20 am

Re: Dawoodi Bohras in the media

#218

Unread post by DisillusionedDB » Mon Nov 24, 2014 12:58 am

adna_mumin wrote:Why Bohra Muslims are so enamoured of Narendra Modi
A hundred Australian Bohras were specially invited to attend Modi's Olympic Park Arena event in Sydney.

http://scroll.in/article/690304/why-boh ... ndra-modi/
The scroll article has (deliberately ?) cropped the image from the bottom. Here's the full photo ... Pai laagu sarkar
Attachments
125405684.jpg

ghulam muhammed
Posts: 11653
Joined: Tue Oct 07, 2008 5:34 pm

Re: Dawoodi Bohras in the media

#219

Unread post by ghulam muhammed » Mon Nov 24, 2014 5:14 pm

adna_mumin wrote:Why Bohra Muslims are so enamoured of Narendra Modi
A hundred Australian Bohras were specially invited to attend Modi's Olympic Park Arena event in Sydney.

http://scroll.in/article/690304/why-boh ... ndra-modi/
100 plus Mumineen and Muminaat from across Australia participated at the Community reception in honour of the Prime Minister at Sydney Olympic Park.

25th Moharram, 1436

Location: Australia, Sydney, Olympic Park


Image

ghulam muhammed
Posts: 11653
Joined: Tue Oct 07, 2008 5:34 pm

Re: Dawoodi Bohras in the media

#220

Unread post by ghulam muhammed » Mon Nov 24, 2014 5:18 pm

asad wrote:Aaj Tak is not owned by Mukesh Ambani but its a very pro BJP channel.
A Historic event for Sydney jamaat, the Indian Media CNN-IBN and Aaj Tak had come to our masjid to share the views of our community on the historic visit of PM Narendra Modi to Australia

24th Moharram, 1436

Location: Australia, Sydney, Sydney


Image

Ozdundee
Posts: 892
Joined: Wed May 29, 2013 6:57 am

Re: Dawoodi Bohras in the media

#221

Unread post by Ozdundee » Tue Nov 25, 2014 7:10 am

adna_mumin wrote:Why Bohra Muslims are so enamoured of Narendra Modi
A hundred Australian Bohras were specially invited to attend Modi's Olympic Park Arena event in Sydney.

http://scroll.in/article/690304/why-boh ... ndra-modi/

Long story short.

The organiser of the Modi event is BJP supporter who organised the event

http://www.pmvisit.org.au
This event is being organized by Indian Australian Community Foundation, a not-for-profit promoting cooperation between Australia and India, and advancing the shared values of democracy, inclusive economic development, and mutual respect. The costs of this event are to be covered by contributions from the general public, and the foundation is in the process of applying for tax-exemption status.
Bohra community was one of the many Samaj that was invited. Because sOmeone knew someone Bohras were given a good seating and media time. Melbourne Amil also came for the session. The gents in the photos are Ayan. Free publicity.

http://www.pmvisit.org.au/partners

The guys in the photo are some of the regular orthodox Bohras who were given free 100 or more tickets specifically asked to come dressed up so Modi can recognise them. The Amil who was in India flew back just in time to seat in the front row with vips .

Now Modi can be happy that worldwide Bohras like him and SMS can get the credit.

Question does Modi a staunch Hindu know SMS likes hunting elephants . Modi was keen on stopping black money in his speech while in Aus he should start with SMS

And interesting how well Bohra abde practise
shared values of democracy, inclusive economic development, and mutual respect.

YaHussain
Posts: 164
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Re: Dawoodi Bohras in the media

#222

Unread post by YaHussain » Wed Nov 26, 2014 3:20 am

Burhani Park Vatva Ahmedabad, upliftment project by syedna mufaddal saifuddin.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WA-aSHroifE

Al Zulfiqar
Posts: 4618
Joined: Tue Mar 28, 2006 5:01 am

Re: Dawoodi Bohras in the media

#223

Unread post by Al Zulfiqar » Wed Nov 26, 2014 4:57 pm

YaHussain wrote:Burhani Park Vatva Ahmedabad, upliftment project by syedna mufaddal saifuddin.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WA-aSHroifE
upliftment for bohras or his own upliftment? how many hundreds of crores will he make from this project?

i would not trust this dhutaro with even my chappals for safekeeping...

ghulam muhammed
Posts: 11653
Joined: Tue Oct 07, 2008 5:34 pm

Re: Dawoodi Bohras in the media

#224

Unread post by ghulam muhammed » Wed Nov 26, 2014 5:07 pm

YaHussain wrote:Burhani Park Vatva Ahmedabad, upliftment project by syedna mufaddal saifuddin.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WA-aSHroifE
SBUT project of Mumbai is in doldrums and there is no sight of any construction coming up even after their own deadline of 4 years and now they are into a new one ? Is it to divert public attention from SBUT ?

humanbeing
Posts: 2195
Joined: Sun Nov 20, 2011 2:30 am

Re: Dawoodi Bohras in the media

#225

Unread post by humanbeing » Thu Nov 27, 2014 7:26 am

ghulam muhammed wrote:SBUT project of Mumbai is in doldrums and there is no sight of any construction coming up even after their own deadline of 4 years and now they are into a new one ? Is it to divert public attention from SBUT ?
It is not distraction, rather confidence to take on a new CON with government in the pocket.

YaHussain
Posts: 164
Joined: Sat Nov 01, 2014 12:36 am

Re: Dawoodi Bohras in the media

#226

Unread post by YaHussain » Thu Nov 27, 2014 7:39 am

ghulam muhammed wrote:
YaHussain wrote:Burhani Park Vatva Ahmedabad, upliftment project by syedna mufaddal saifuddin.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WA-aSHroifE
SBUT project of Mumbai is in doldrums and there is no sight of any construction coming up even after their own deadline of 4 years and now they are into a new one ? Is it to divert public attention from SBUT ?
it is doldrum for you not for the people who are actually associated with SBUT or those who have flats in those area, I talked with many families and they are confident and actually stress free about SBUT, they know this is a huge project and such projects take time for completion.

once it will be completed it will be an example for modern India, and then picture of India may start changing.

Akhtiar Wahid
Posts: 804
Joined: Mon Mar 08, 2010 9:22 am

Re: Dawoodi Bohras in the media

#227

Unread post by Akhtiar Wahid » Thu Nov 27, 2014 8:25 am

Oh yes, definitely yes, in the abdes mind and world after SBUT " PICTURE OF INDIA WILL START CHANGING"
Oh god there is some serious Hogwards magical spells going around!

humanbeing
Posts: 2195
Joined: Sun Nov 20, 2011 2:30 am

Re: Dawoodi Bohras in the media

#228

Unread post by humanbeing » Thu Nov 27, 2014 8:56 am

YaHussain wrote: it is doldrum for you not for the people who are actually associated with SBUT or those who have flats in those area, I talked with many families and they are confident and actually stress free about SBUT, they know this is a huge project and such projects take time for completion. once it will be completed it will be an example for modern India, and then picture of India may start changing.[/color]
You may have spoken to qasre-aali and baite zainee or jamaat member families, they are always stress free and they know it is a huge project (CON) and will take a really long time. Longer it takes, more stress free they rest.

YaHussain
Posts: 164
Joined: Sat Nov 01, 2014 12:36 am

Re: Dawoodi Bohras in the media

#229

Unread post by YaHussain » Thu Nov 27, 2014 11:18 am

humanbeing wrote:
YaHussain wrote: it is doldrum for you not for the people who are actually associated with SBUT or those who have flats in those area, I talked with many families and they are confident and actually stress free about SBUT, they know this is a huge project and such projects take time for completion. once it will be completed it will be an example for modern India, and then picture of India may start changing.[/color]
You may have spoken to qasre-aali and baite zainee or jamaat member families, they are always stress free and they know it is a huge project (CON) and will take a really long time. Longer it takes, more stress free they rest.
I have spoken with normal middle class families.

alam
Posts: 713
Joined: Mon Oct 21, 2013 8:15 pm

Re: Dawoodi Bohras in the media

#230

Unread post by alam » Thu Nov 27, 2014 1:09 pm

Many I have close contacts with are guardedly hopeful, saying it takes longer than usual, but they feel quite helpless in the lack of real and reliable information about what's really going on in SBUT. Officials are tight lipped and bureaucracy doesn't allow for dissemination of information to displaced residents. Some families have their rental contracts expire and they have no housing to go to and there is uncertainty among them, as can be expected.

Depends who's asking and who's talking, you are going to get different answers.

ghulam muhammed
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Joined: Tue Oct 07, 2008 5:34 pm

Re: Dawoodi Bohras in the media

#231

Unread post by ghulam muhammed » Thu Nov 27, 2014 3:09 pm

YaHussain wrote:it is doldrum for you not for the people who are actually associated with SBUT or those who have flats in those area, I talked with many families and they are confident and actually stress free about SBUT, they know this is a huge project and such projects take time for completion.

once it will be completed it will be an example for modern India, and then picture of India may start changing.
I will not elaborate more on this subject as your defence is quite lame, however its better if you browse through the thread "Dream Project of Bhendi Bazar" wherein the SCAM and Kothari false promises are exposed with evidence. If you like to continue the debate then switch over to that thread as this thread is not relevant to the subject issue.

adna_mumin
Posts: 193
Joined: Fri Feb 07, 2014 3:43 pm

Re: Dawoodi Bohras in the media

#232

Unread post by adna_mumin » Sun Dec 07, 2014 12:12 pm

The story between action, reaction
...
Around the same time a tape was leaked of VHP leader Pravin Togadia talking at a meeting in Gujarat. He was offering advice to a Hindu neighbourhood where a Dawoodi Bohra, one of the most peaceful and prosperous communities of India, had bought a property.
..

http://www.deccanchronicle.com/141207/c ... ment-63468

asad
Posts: 777
Joined: Thu Dec 29, 2011 12:54 am

Re: Dawoodi Bohras in the media

#233

Unread post by asad » Mon Dec 08, 2014 3:07 am

Court directs status quo be maintained, stays woman's vacating of premises


The Small Causes Court has directed that status-quo be maintained and a woman, along with her family, be allowed to live in a building that is part of the Bhendi Bazaar cluster redevelopment project.

The judgement was given by additional chief judge, SASM Ali and judge DP Shingade on September 24, 2014. The woman, Nafisa Masalawala, is a resident of Galabhai Chawl, Gujar Street, Bohri Mohalla and had filed a case to resist vacating the premises that is being redeveloped by the Saifee Burhani Upliftment Trust (SBUT).

The SBUT Behndi Bazaar project was the vision of the late 52nd Dai ul Mutlaq of the Dawoodi Bohra community, Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin. It looks to provide better housing to members of the community which he headed, and those living in the cluster that is to be redeveloped.

"They did not give me any agreement and what I would be getting post redevelopment," said Nafisa. Her advocate argued in court that "SBUT, under the guise of demolishing the suit building, are trying to dispossess the plaintiff from the suit premises."

Nafisa's advocate further contended that SBUT was "Not providing suitable transit accommodation to the plaintiff, and also not ready to execute the registered agreement with the plaintiff to provide her permanent alternate accommodation in the newly constructed building that may be constructed after demolishing the present suit building. Therefore, the learned advocate urged that the appeal be allowed and status-quo be continued to protect possession and interests of the plaintiff."

The SBUT advocate however, argued that 47 of the 48 tenants in the building had moved out and if she did not, there would be danger to her life and that of her family. It also stated that Mumbai Buildings Repari and Reconstruction Board had directed it to demolish the building to avoid any untoward incident. The court stated that the two parties unfortunately could not settle the matter amicably.

It then stated that until another case is settled, Nafisa and her family be allowed to live there. "The original case is with respect to the tenancy rights of Nafisa," said Nasima Don, solicitor under whose firm the case was fought.

dna contacted SBUT officials, but there was no response from them.

http://www.dnaindia.com/mumbai/report-c ... es-2041967

Mkenya
Posts: 547
Joined: Thu Mar 21, 2013 9:16 am

Re: Dawoodi Bohras in the media

#234

Unread post by Mkenya » Mon Dec 08, 2014 4:05 am

Next, bring on the arm twisters and heavies to harass her and make her stay hellish. Kothar's past is littered with high-handedness in such matters. The lady's stand is commendable and I am sure, like me, most in this forum will continue to watch this sordid situation unfold.

bohrabhai
Posts: 401
Joined: Thu Jan 09, 2014 11:16 am

Re: Dawoodibohra.com in media

#235

Unread post by bohrabhai » Sun Dec 21, 2014 1:04 am

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city ... 590197.cms

Minority report: Community magazines try to keep pace with changing lifestyles

Amongst the dwindling Parsi community, interfaith marriage has long been a contentious issue. So in 1988, when Parsiana, a liberal community magazine, began listing interfaith unions in its "milestones" column, it created a storm. Orthodox factions argued that the inclusion could be seen as encouragement. "People hated us for that," recalls the editor of the half-century-old publication, Jehangir Patel. "They stopped advertising and subscribing. They didn't even want to be in the same room with me." But Patel stuck to his guns. "We were just reflecting the reality," he points out.

Today, Parsiana has a meticulous record of the quantum leap in interfaith unions. Besides creating an archive and resource for future historians, community magazines feed a deep-seated hunger for information about one's own history, culture, community activities and current events. From the 30-lakh-strong Gujaratis to the Jews, who have dwindled to just 4,000 in Greater Mumbai, every community is churning out publications like Chitralekha, Shaili and Kol India (kol means voice in Hebrew) to meet this demand. Online forums like Parsikhabar.net, Zoroastrians.net and the Progressive Dawoodi Bohras have also popped up in the last decade.

For instance, East-Indians.com was set up as an online resource to help members lobbying to get the community included as an Other Backward Class (OBC). In 2006, they were included in the list. The website's founder, Prem Moraes, claims his portal played a key role in making the idea palatable to wealthier members, who may have otherwise objected to the OBC tag. "With more interaction, you understand each other's issues," explains Moraes. "So, rich people slowly realized that poorer sections of the community would benefit tremendously and it wouldn't really impact their lives." The website and Gaothan Voice, a monthly newsletter circulated since 2003, have also been championing the return of East Indian lands, appropriated by the government for development projects in the 1950s. "Awareness on such issues has increased by 500%," says co-editor Alphi D'Souza.

Though Gaothan Voice's print-run has increased to 3,500 from 200 in 2003, the honorary editors recently decided to reduce its frequency because of a lack of funds. Most community publications rely on advertisements, sponsorships, donations and subscriptions. Patel says that each issue of Parsiana costs about Rs 5 lakh to produce with a staff of 14. Though it initially had a Gujarati section, today it is written only in English.

This switch is an emerging trend as community magazines struggle to reach the youth and expats, who are more fluent in English. Kol India, started in 1995, initially differentiated itself from other Jewish publications by being bilingual. Today, it has only a few Marathi articles. Editorials cover community issues like migration to Israel and whether the Jewish prayer service should be in Hebrew or Marathi.

Often new publications are started when a certain section of the community feels under-represented. New York resident Arzan Wadia started Parsi Khabar a decade ago because he felt the existing publications were either too liberal or too orthodox. The articles on his website are curated from other news portals with about 20% original content. The Progressive Dawoodi Bohras forum, run from Canada, gives members a space to vent against the priestly class without facing ramifications.

Since the 1970s, the reformists have also been bringing out a bilingual journal nowcalled Bohra Chronicle, which has been shunned by the community's religious head for its criticism of the Bohra hierarchy. It has a circulation of 10,000, says Irfan Engineer, an occasional contributor to the journal. "Some readers, who are scared, ask us to post copies to a friend's house or to a nearby shop."

bohrabhai
Posts: 401
Joined: Thu Jan 09, 2014 11:16 am

Re: Dawoodi Bohras in the media

#236

Unread post by bohrabhai » Tue Dec 23, 2014 12:14 am

http://m.economictimes.com/news/politic ... 611337.cms

EW DELHI: The standoff in Parliament earlier this week may have forced Dharam Jagran Manch, an RSS affiliate, to postpone its 'ghar wapsi', or homecoming, programme in UP, but the project appears to be on in full earnest in Gujarat. Leaders of the Sangh offshoot VHP are focusing on Dawoodi Bohra Muslims, claiming the community, a sub-sect of Shias, was originally Brahmin that had converted under the force of the Islamic sword.

"Bohras were originally Brahmins and follow Hindu rituals and, in their homes, keep Lord Ganesha's idol," said one of the RSS functionaries who did not wish to be named. "Bohra Muslims are keen (to reconvert), it is their own attempt at ghar wapsi." According to VHP, thousands of Muslims in Gujarat embrace Hinduism every year without any coercion or allurement. "Every year 25,000-30,000 Muslims are returning home to Hinduism in Gujarat," said Ranchod Bharwad, VHP's general secretary in Gujarat.
"Patel, Desai, Bhat are all Hindu surnames, but some Muslims suffix it since their ancestors were Hindus. It is only in Gujarat that we have Noor Mohammed Desai, Ahmed Patel, MaqboolBhat. It is Christianity and Islam that forces or offer allurements to convert; for us, it is gharwapsi."

However, RSS pracharak in Gujarat, CB Upadhyaya, refused to comment on the matter. Mahipal Thakur of Dharam Jagran Manch said there was no immediate programme for the state, even as he added, "We will offer moral support to ghar wapsi. Bohra Muslims are enthusiastic about embracing Hinduism." Gujarat has 45-50 lakh Muslims out of a total population of around 6 crore, of which Dawoodi Bohra Muslims number about 10-12 lakh, and around 2-3 lakh live in Gujarat.

And Sunni Bohras, another sect of Bohras, number around 12-15 lakh. There are, however, serious differences between Bohras and other Islamic sects.

A senior RSS paracharak said "our programme is on and we are focussing on Bohras". Professor Zainab Bano, a Bohra Muslim, questioned the claims of RSS and its offshoots, even as she conceded that Bohra Muslims were originally Nagar Brahmins. "Why would they convert?" she asks. "The community is rich, well-to-do. Dawoodi Bohras are out of the Muslim mainstream, but part of the national mainstream. There is gender equality and women's empowerment."

Bano said the Bohras converted way back in the 7th or 8th century, too long back for many in the present-day community to wish to be aware of the issue. Like other Muslims, the Bohras were also persecuted in the state during the 2002 riots in Gujarat, she said. "Lungi (Muslim) ko kaato, topi (Bohra) ko looto (hack Muslims, rob Bohras), was the war cry during the 2002 Gujarat riots," she said.

Islamic scholar Sheeba Aslam Fehmi lashed out at the conversion programme, asking, "Why is that Hindutva forces become active when they have a comfortable majority in Parliament? In Modi's regime, it has suddenly dawned upon them that Bohras were Brahmins."

bohrabhai
Posts: 401
Joined: Thu Jan 09, 2014 11:16 am

Re: Dawoodi Bohras in the media

#237

Unread post by bohrabhai » Tue Dec 23, 2014 12:20 am

http://www.deccanchronicle.com/141223/n ... sHyderabad: Since the death of their 52nd spiritual leader, Sydena Dr Mohammed Burhanuddin, there has been a split in the business community of Dawoodi Bohras. Dr Burhanuddin’s brother Qutbuddin has laid claim to the title of Sydena and has filed a petition at the Mumbai High Court.

His son, Aziz Qutbuddin was in the city to meet followers and apprise them of the situation. He asked them not to get scared of the other faction of Bohras, which has debarred them socially.

The split has led to huge problems within the community as marriages, social relationships and even business ventures are at stake.

Only 30 of the 500-plus families in the city have decided to follow Mr Qutbuddin, while the rest have sworn allegiance to his nephew Muffadal Saifuddin.

A member of the Qutbuddin faction said, “Marriages are at stake due to these factions. Nuptials are being performed only after the question of who owns allegiance to who is cleared.

There are divorce cases because the bride and her family follow the Saifuddin faction while the groom and his family follow the Qutbuddin faction.”

While some of them are silent and do not want to take sides, issues pertaining to business ventures, social commitments like going to the mosque, visiting mausoleums and also visiting religious sites require a clarity on allegiance.

adna_mumin
Posts: 193
Joined: Fri Feb 07, 2014 3:43 pm

Re: Dawoodi Bohras in the media

#238

Unread post by adna_mumin » Thu Dec 25, 2014 5:22 pm

Battle for Bohra spiritual head’s seat splits families
http://www.mumbaimirror.com/mumbai/othe ... 643768.cms

kimanumanu
Posts: 607
Joined: Wed Apr 09, 2014 2:16 pm

Re: Dawoodi Bohras in the media

#239

Unread post by kimanumanu » Fri Dec 26, 2014 5:36 pm

Proud of his fake PhD:
http://www.sbut.com/images/gallery/awar ... ents/5.jpg

http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/ ... 376851.ece

BANGALORE: Vasudeva Sharma was shocked when two men walked into his office with an offer last week. They placed on his desk an application that would fetch him an honorary doctorate from a Sri Lankan university.

“They told me I had to pay $3,500 (`2.13 lakh) to get an honorary doctorate for my social work,” said Sharma (48), executive director, Child Rights Trust.

The men identified themselves as Suresh and Ananth, and said they represented the Open International University of Complementary Medicines (OIUCM) in Colombo.

As it turns out, scores of people have received not just honorary doctorates, but are also practising as doctors with OIUCM degrees in homeopathy, acupuncture, ayurveda and naturopathy.

The university’s website, which contains many false claims, states its mandate is to popularise alternative medicine.

In India, OIUCM offers courses through 11 dubious institutions, one of which is located in Bangalore and another in Mumbai, the rest being in Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Its courses are offered in 12 other countries, including the United States, China, Australia and Pakistan.

“They said I had been referred for an honorary doctorate. When I asked them who had referred me, they said a team of researchers had assessed my work. They tried to lure me with the possibilities of having a ‘Dr’ prefix to my name,” Sharma said.

He was not the only one they approached. Mathews Philip, executive director of the South India Cell for Human Rights Education and Monitoring (SICHREM), was also “shortlisted” for a doctorate that would cost him `3 lakh. “I refused outright and threw them out of my office. I knew it was a fraud,” he said.

PhD in Two Months

Posing as a student looking for a PhD, an Express reporter approached the National Institute of Alternative Medicine Systems in Shivajinagar. The institute is affiliated to OIUCM.

“The fee is `50,000 and it is negotiable. You can get a PhD certificate in one month. If you wish to go in depth, you’ll get a certificate in two months, with a seal from OIUCM,” said Dr A R Samiullah, the institute’s president.

He claimed the degree was recognised internationally and many students were pursuing OIUCM courses. Interestingly, the institute offers courses from the Karnataka State Open University as well.

Not Registered

The Sri Lankan High Commission in Delhi informed Express OIUCM was not registered with the University Grants Commission of Sri Lanka. Even Dr N J Nonis, registrar of the Sri Lanka Medical Council, said OIUCM and its degrees were not recognised.

Dr Prashanth Shetty, principal of SDM College of Naturopathy and Yogic Sciences in Ujire, said he had heard about OIUCM and its activities in India. “It is a fake university. They provide MD degrees in naturopathy and acupuncture in three to six days,” he said. “I hope the law takes its course.” He was concerned about the quacks practising on the basis of such MDs.

Only 16 legitimate institutes in the country offer naturopathy and yoga courses. “No such thing as an alternative medicine course exists. Only those institutes affiliated to the RGUHS are recognised,” he said.

Vijaykumar Gogi, director of the Department of Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy (AYUSH), promised action. “Educational institutions do not come under our purview, but I will raise this with those concerned. We have already proposed stringent action against those practising without registering with the Karnataka Unani and Ayush Practitioners’ Board,” he said.

Dr Gurujis

Spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar received an honorary doctorate of philosophy in holistic medicine from the OIUCM in 2006. In 2010, godman Swami Nityananda also received an honorary doctorate from this dubious university. The OIUCM falsely claims recognition from the WHO and the United Nations.

(With inputs from Yacoob Mohammed and Sayantan Ghosh)

ghulam muhammed
Posts: 11653
Joined: Tue Oct 07, 2008 5:34 pm

Re: Dawoodi Bohras in the media

#240

Unread post by ghulam muhammed » Fri Dec 26, 2014 7:01 pm

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