------------------------------------------ Over 600 Chinese nationals
working in Saudi embrace Islam Sunday, Sep 27, 2009 Riyadh: Over 600 Chinese nationals working on the Haramain Rail project have embraced Islam in a recent ceremony in Makkah.
They are workers of the Chinese Railway Company, which won the multibillion contract for implementing the 450km rail road linking the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah via Jeddah and Rabigh.
They are workers of the Chinese Railway Company, which won the multi-billion contract for implementing the 450-km rail road linking the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah via Jeddah and Rabigh.
''Their conversion took place 24 hours after getting books introducing Islam in Chinese language at their work site at Arafat, which is outside the Haram area,'' Dr Abdul Aziz Al Khudhairi, Under Secretary at the Makkah Governorate, said, adding that the credit goes to the Office of the Call and Guidance for Expatriates in Makkah.
Among the converts, there are 70 workers who are engaged in the construction of Makkah monorail project, which links the holy city with the holy sites of Mina, Muzdalifa and Arafat
.
''Efforts are underway to spread the message of Islam among some 5,000 Chinese nationals working on the Haramain train,'' he said.
--UNI
(c) 2009 Published with permission fromUnited News of India. Unauthorised publication of any content from NewKerala.Com is prohibited
Ketamine, a veterinary anesthetic, is now rapidly being abused as a party drug in India as well as abroad. The export of Ketamine from Chennai has become a major cause of worry for the enforcement agencies. Author:ndtv
Teen pregnancies in Chennai are not uncommon and they are on the rise in the city, especially among the affluent and lower income groups. And if at all the number of schoolgirls undergoing abortions at hospitals has gone down, it is because of morning-after pills being available over the counter in the city’s pharmacies.
Fifteen-year-old Deepa (name changed) was brought to an infertility clinic by her parents for bouts of unexplained bleeding every 10 days. When the doctor probed deeper into the case, she found that the teenager, who indulged in sex often with her boyfriend, had taken an overdose of oral contraceptive pills. “Emergency pills are meant precisely for that – emergencies. How can such a situation crop up several times a month?” quips well-known gynaecologist, Dr Kamala Selvaraj.
Starting from Rs 70 to Rs 400, a range of such pills is available in drug stores across the city. While one pill is to be taken within 72 hours of sexual intercourse, the second pill should be popped in 12 hours later. Even as young girls studiously read up on the contraceptive method online, and even ring up private hospitals to clear their doubts about the dosage, there are misconceptions about the usage.
“Many girls still do not know how to take them. They either overdose on the first pill, or forget to take the second one in time,” says Dr Jeyarani Kamaraj, a gynaecologist. Prolonged ‘abuse’ of the hormone-based pills can lead to multiple complications, including irregular menstrual cycles, hypertension and even diabetes, explains Dr Selvaraj. “The medication prevents implantation of the fertilised egg in the uterus, and should ideally be taken only under the instructions of a doctor,” she says.
The situation is dicey for doctors in government hospitals as increasing awareness of the pills among rural and poor girls may give an impression of encouraging sex among the youngsters, says a government doctor. Abortion clinics in the city are still frequented by teenagers who face ‘contraceptive failure’. “We even get schoolgirls who walk in with their boyfriends for support though they tell us that it is their brother or relative. We don’t ask questions,” says a nurse at one such clinic in Vadapalani.
600 civil service aspirants will benefit from the new facility
— Photo: M. Vedhan MOTIVATING STUDENTS: Former Vice-Chancellor of Anna University V.C. Kuzhandaisamy (second from left) interacts with civil service aspirants at the inauguration of Manidha Naeyam IAS and IPS Free Coaching Centre’s branch in Anna Nagar East on Monday.
CHENNAI: Manidha Naeyam IAS and IPS Free Coaching Centre opened a branch in Anna Nagar East on Monday.
Nearly 600 civil service aspirants would benefit from the setting up of the branch. The coaching centre is a wing of the Manidha Naeyam Charitable Trust founded by former MLA Saidai S. Duraisamy.
Participating in the inauguration ceremony, Mr. Duraisamy said that education is the only tool to attain equality in society. Civil service aspirants must understand their responsibilities and work for the downtrodden. He also explained the features of www.saidais.com, a website offering free online coaching for the candidates.
Commending the initiative, the centre’s advisory committee member and former Vice-Chancellor of Anna University V. C. Kuzhandaisamy said educating youngsters free of cost was an act of patriotism.
Pointing out that the number of civil servants from Tamil Nadu had dwindled over the past two decades, he said lack of proper facilities was one of the reasons for that.
The coaching centre would help in providing equal opportunities to all. Of the 100 candidates selected from Tamil Nadu last year, 25 were from the Manidha Naeyam IAS and IPS Free Coaching Centre, he added.
Former Home Secretary R. Poornalingam said hard work and focussed attention were the watchwords to succeed in the competitive examinations. “You (students) must spend 14 hours a day on preparing for the examination and develop a habit to read and analyse news,” he said.
Even if candidates failed to become civil servants, skill development and knowledge acquisition would help them when they opted for other careers, he added.
While former Director General of Police A. X. Alexander traced the progress of the coaching centre, former Highways Department secretary M. Abul Hassan said that a similar facility must be started in south Chennai.
The coaching centre’s director Vaa.Voo. Si. said the first coaching centre was started in CIT Nagar in 2006. While 12 candidates from the centre were selected for Civil Services in 2007, the figure rose to 25 last year. A general knowledge monthly magazine was also released at the function.
R.Gopalaswamy, a candidate chosen for Indian Revenue Service, shared his experience. The Trust’s director Mallika Duraisamy and the trust’s managing director Vetri Duraisamy also participated.
Dan McDougall, Sunday Times, London 7 September 2009, 12:08am IST
a moment of terror frozen in time, the grainy CCTV picture shows a teenager, high on drugs, stabbing another young man in the head with a knife.
The shots are all the more chilling for having been filmed in a classroom in one of Cape Town’s most notorious townships. In the corner of the frame, pupils as young as 12 look on as violence once again engulfs a South African school.
In one of the biggest but least talked about challenges to President Jacob Zuma’s new government, schools have descended into a spiral of crime that has seen murder and rape in classrooms.
As terrified teachers leave the profession in large numbers, security in schools is being beefed up to include police sniffer dog patrols and hand-held metal detectors. Psychologists are being drafted in to help staff to cope with trauma.
A recent survey in KwaZulu-Natal, Zuma’s home province, revealed there were 11 murders, 280 rapes and 2,500 assaults in its schools last year. A further 3,000 cases of drug possession were recorded. In the Free State, bars close to schools were reported to be selling alcohol and drugs to pupils who would often arrive drunk and armed with guns for their classes.
In Cape Town, there have been 60 stabbings in schools in the past three months. The murder of a headmaster in his office, has led to calls for a permanent police presence in classrooms.
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SKorean man accused of raping 125 women arrested
AFP 8 September 2009, 01:03pm IST SEOUL: South Korean police said on Tuesday they have arrested a man accused of raping 125 women over the past nine years.
The 39-year-old delivery man, identified only by his family name Cha, is accused of some 200 rapes involving 125 women, some of whom were subjected to multiple assaults.
Police in Gyeonggi province surrounding Seoul said the offences took place between July 2000 and July 2009.
The suspect was traced after being pictured on closed-circuit TV.
He is also accused of stealing jewellery worth around 40 million won (32,000 dollars) from his victims, who were mostly young and living alone.
Police said the suspect, who lives in the city of Paju north of Seoul, has been married since 2001 and has a daughter of pre-school age.
Man kisses daughter, 8, on Brazil beach, faces jail
AGENCIES 8 September 2009, 12:18am IST An Italian tourist is facing up to 15 years in Brazil for kissing his eight-year-old daughter on a public beach.
The businessman, 48, who has not been named, was arrested following a complaint from an elderly Brazilian couple who claimed he had been touching a young girl inappropriately and had kissed her on the mouth while they were both at a swimming pool close to the beach in full view of other tourists.
Despite protests from the girl that her father had done nothing wrong, the man is being kept in custody, reports the Telegraph. The man’s Brazilian wife, who was with them on the Fortaleza beach at the time, also denies any wrongdoing on the part of her husband and said she is astounded at the way he has been treated.
She says it was all a misunderstanding by witnesses who had misinterpreted seeing a foreign white man with a young darker-skinned girl. She told the Brazilian state news agency if there was any suggestion the claim was true she would not hesitate to take her daughter’s side, and recalled that she had been present the whole time.
The businessman from Guidonia, near Rome, is facing charges under Brazil’s tough new anti-paedophilia laws passed last month in an attempt to prevent the exploitation of children. The child molestation charges carry a sentence of between eight and 15 years.
A lawyer for the Italian consulate says the arrest is a case of overzealousness on the part of the Brazilian couple and the local police responsible for tackling child prostitution, says La Repubblica.
The Italian consulate has collected several statements testifying to the good character of the businessman.--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
16-yr-old Dalit girl raped, burnt aliveTNN 2 September 2009, 10:07pm IST KENDRAPADA: A 16-year-old dalit girl of Kapaleswar village in Kendrapada district succumbed to her burn injuries on Tuesday evening. She was set on fire because she protested against her offender.
Jhili Mallick was kidnapped last year and was being held against her will at Kantia Mallick's house. On Monday, when she protested, the youth poured kerosene over her and reportedly set her on fire in the presence of his parents.
The victim's brother, Bhagawan Mallick, alleged that he had filed an FIR against Kantia last year and informed police that Kantia had kidnapped his sister and forcefully kept her in his house. But the police did not take any step to arrest the culprit or rescue his sister. "Police only registered a missing diary in her name," he said, adding that he had repeatedly urged the police to take action against Kantia. "But they paid no heed to my pleas. Now my sister is dead," he said. tnn
Tension mounted at Kapaleswar after the victim's body arrived at the village. At least 200 villagers blocked the road on Wednesday, demanding action against the police officials who earlier shielded the accused and refused to resuce the girl.
BEIJING: China’s Communist Party leaders stood by their regional deputies in Tibet and Xinjiang during the some of the worst riots in more than a year. But they made an exception on Saturday by axing the party head in the troubled Urumqi in western Xinjiang province.
Li Zhi, the party head for Urumqi, has been fired in order to control the rising tide of Han Chinese backlash in the city, which is witness to massive demonstrations against what many consider to be the local government’s inability to protect them. This is a rare case of a party leader being held responsible for riots and an indirectly acknowledgement that the party is ready to share blame for the riots.
Five persons were killed yesterday during the demonstrations in the western city, which saw massive riots leaving 197 dead in July. Most victims of the riots were majority Han Chinese attacked by violent sections of Muslim Uighurs, which is causing the protests.
Replacing Li is also an attempt to soften the demand being raised for axing Xinjiang party secretary Wang Lequan, a member of the ruling Politburo and an ally of president Hu Jintao, sources said. Both Li and Wang faced angry crowds demanding they step down during their visit to the city’s streets on Thursday and Friday.
Tanks, metal barricades and heavily armed troops filled the western city on Saturday to avoid any more riots and demonstrations against syringe attacks that began at least 10 days back. Dozens have been taken to hospitals with needle wounds but there is no sign of any drug being administered.
Troops have also barricaded localities of Uighurs in order to ensure they are not attacked by majority Han Chinese, reports say.
The Germany based World Uyghur Congress said Han Chinese attacked more than 10 Uighurs during the two days of protests and tried to storm the Nanmen mosque on Friday but were stopped by authorities. More Stories from this section
* China now faces unrest from majority Han Chinese * China schoolgirl aspires to be 'corrupt official': State media * Always ready to go back to Tibet: Dalai Lama * 'Simple' language tweak sparks outcry in China
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Ex-US soldier gets life for Iraqi girl's rape, murder
PADUCAH: A former US soldier will spend his life in prison for the gang rape and murder of an Iraqi girl and the slaughter of her family, a judge ruled on Friday.
Steven Dale Green was convicted in May of the 2006 rape and killing of 14-year-old Abeer al-Janabi and the murder of her mother, father and six-year-old sister in their home south of Baghdad.
He was considered the ringleader of a group of five soldiers who plotted the crime over whiskey and a game of cards at a traffic check point in Mahmudiyah.
Three other soldiers were given life sentences for the attack by military courts while a fourth was sentenced to 27 months in jail for acting as a lookout.
Green was tried in a civilian court after being discharged from the army due to a "personality disorder" before his role in the crime came to light.
Prosecutors had asked jurors to impose the death penalty, but they were unable to reach the unanimous verdict necessary for an execution.
He was awarded five consecutive life sentences with no chance of parole by judge Thomas Russell.
CHENNAI: A 29-year-old man, who allegedly set his partner on fire early on Monday, has been arrested. The woman died after giving a declaration to the police.
According to the police, Senthil (29) and Sarita (26) of Vyasarpadi decided to marry 18 months ago and Sarita moved into his house. She gave birth to a girl six months ago. Then Senthil's parents began searching for a bride for him and he decided to leave Sarita. Sarita then insisted that he marry her immediately.
On Sunday night, they quarrelled and in a fit of rage, Senthil set her Sarita afire after dousing her with kerosene. She was rushed to the Kilpauk Medical College Hospital where she died early on Monday. Senthil too was admitted to the KMCH from where he escaped. He was tracked down and arrested
HYDERABAD: Here is a shot in the arm for drug inspectors in the state, who till now have been feeling powerless. Soon they will be empowered to arrest a pharmaceutical company owner for manufacturing spurious drugs or a medical shop owner for selling substandard drug and investigate the case.
Further, if a particular drug leads to the death of a person, the manufacturer will get life imprisonment and a fine of Rs 10 lakh will be imposed under a new amendment. The fine amount will go to the family of the victim.
============================================= India: National Agenda for Muslims Development
Letter to Dr. Manmohan Singh, Prime Minister of India
National Economic Forum for Muslims
Dated: 22 June, 2009 Dr. Manmohan Singh Hon’ble Prime Minister of India South Block New Delhi – 110001
Sub: National Agenda for Muslims Development
Respected Dr. Singh
Widening the jobs and educational opportunities to the millions of its citizens in a cost effective manner should be the national priority for India in the new millennium. Muslims constitute a large segment of those Indians who continue to suffer due to lack of proper education. The literacy levels amongst the Muslim are the lowest, as has been authenticated by Sachar Panel. Thus they have a long way to go before they can catch up with the rest of the country.
Due to the educational backwardness Muslims are not able to participate in the economic development. In jobs many times they face discrimination, which has led to their negligible presence in Government services, even at the lowest levels, where education does not matter. With this social handicap, they can look for any respectable level of participation only with effective instruments of support by the Government. Removal of religion based discriminatory Clause 3 under Article 341 of the Constitution, creating a Separate Subgroup within the OBC reservation and launch of a Special Component Plan for Muslims of a reasonable size of Rs. 25,000 Crores annually, seems logical and absolutely necessary steps.
In the changing dynamics of world order and the emergence of knowledge societies, where the emergence of private sector in playing an important role in education, jobs and new enterprises, the importance of quality education is further enhanced. Thus providing quality education to 30 million Muslims to bring them into national mainstream is a major challenge for the Government.
In view of the increasing marginalisation of Muslims in social and economic spheres over a period of time, the feeling is growing that Muslim youths may loose faith in the system and about their future. Thus, there is urgent need for attention by the Government, intelligentsia and the political system to devise suitable measures to address their issues and grievances, and more importantly take effective steps to ensure their participation in the mainstream education and social and economic development.
The question of social opportunity and public policy needs to be answered keeping in view the poor economic development of the community. If fair representation in jobs, education and resources allocation is ensured, it will have strong cascading effects on the development of the community. Keeping in view the above dynamics and based on the wide spread consultations among the community leaders; and the discussions held at the India Islamic Centre, New Delhi on the occasion of Felicitation of Muslim Ministers and newly elect MPs on 9th June, 09, the following recommendations have emerged:
1. No Reservation but Correction of the religion based discriminatory Clause (3) under Article 341 of the Constitution, which was imposed by a Presidential Order 1950. The existence of this Clause contradicts the secular character of our constitution, which is mentioned in the Preamble of the Constitution and guaranteed under Article 14, 15 and 16 of the Constitution “that no discrimination will be made to its citizens based on gender, caste, religion etc.” And yet Muslims and Christens face religion based discrimination under this infamous Presidential Order 1950.
2. No Reservation but Fair Share under the OBC quota, wherein based on the Mandal Commission recommendations, Muslims OBC castes constitute one third (8.4%) of the 27%. Muslims, like Hindus MBCs, have also not got their share in OBC reservation, as few powerful castes take away the chunk of the OBC quota, say Yadavs in Northern India. Therefore based on the South pattern of Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and AP, Advanced OBCs, MBCs and Muslim OBCs may be given Quota within Quota, as per their share. This will be in total conformity with the spirit of reservation, where all get Justice, a Just and a Fair Share.
3. No Reservation but Affirmative Actions for their effective participation in the national mainstream by accessing education and economic opportunities through a set of Affirmative Actions. Through Special Component Plan of Rs. 25,000 crores, an annual budget of Rs. 15,000 crores may be created for Modernisation of the Madarsa Educational Network and for opening new educational institutions for Muslims under 85:15 ratio, wherein 85% grant is by GOI and 15% by the host. Another Budget of Rs. 10,000 crores to be created for their large scale skills development programs, creation of small enterprises and other economic opportunities.
4. No Reservation but Equitable Distribution under the spendings by all economic ministries of the Central Government. The appointment of a Monitoring Officer in each ministry or mandating the Ministry of Minority Affairs to ask for status report on quarterly basis of the adherence to the 15% spendings for minorities (10% exclusively for Muslims) will serve the purpose.
5. Safety, Security and Sensitivity towards minorities. Suitable law may be passed by the Parliament for the protection of minorities by covering them under the Criminal Act, on par with the SC/ST Criminal Act. This will ensure that harassment and profiling of minorities is not done. And in cases of riots, blasts and terrorist activities, even before the preliminary investigations are done, some Muslim names are flashed in media, which not only affects the investigations, but create very negative perception about Muslims in the society. Similarly, in cases of riots, Strict Punishment to those responsible and Deterring Compensation to the victims, (Rs. 25 lacs and jobs to the dependents of the victims), will stop any riots in future.
We believe that if these measures are taken by the UPA Government, then Muslims will be able to effectively participate in the national mainstream and contribute to the economic progress and double digit growth of the nation.
Thanking you and with regards
(M J Khan) President National Economic Forum for Muslims 502, Rohit House, Tolstoy Road, New Delhi - 110001 Tel. 011-23731128, 46569160 Fax: 011-23731130 Email: nefm06@gmail.com
HUMAN WELFARE FOUNDATION announces scholarship for the academic year 2009-10. Applications are invited in the prescribed format for the Loan Scholarship from meritorious but financially needy Minority Students from the following North Indian states pursuing higher studies for under mentioned regular courses:
1. M.S.W. 2. M.A. Psychology 3. M.C.J./M.A./P.G. Diploma in Journalism and Mass Communications 4. M.A. Rural Development 5. M.B.A./M.A. Financial Management 6. M.B.A./M.A. Hospital Administration 7. P.G. Diploma in Guidance and Counseling 8. P.G. Diploma in Rural development 9. Diploma in Film Technology 10. P.G. Diploma in Development Communication 11. M.A. Sociology 12. M.A. Economics 13. L.L.M. 14. M.A. Public Administration 15. M.A. Education Management 16. M.B.A. Rural Management 17. M.A. Human Rights 18. M.A. in Peace and Conflict Resolution 19. M.B.A./M.A. Human Resource Management 20. M.A./P.G. Diploma in Disaster Management 21. M.A./M.B.A./P.G. Diploma in NGO Management
States from where the students are qualified to apply: 1. Uttar Pradesh 2. Bihar 3. West Bengal 4. Delhi 5. Assam 6. Jharkhand 7. Gujarat 8. Rajastan 9. Madhya Pradesh
The application forms are available from the following zonal offices. Forms and details can be downloaded from our website www.vision2016.org.in . Send the completed Forms by post (latest by 31stJuly, 2009) to the following address of the Jamaat-e-Islami Hind Zonal office in the concerned state
UP West Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (UP West Zone) Darul Islam, Molviganj Lucknow-226018 Phone: 0522 2628609, 3093940
UP East Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (UP East Zone) Mohalla Nizampur (Bhar Purwa) Gorakhpur-273005 Phone: 094560886969
Bihar Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (Bihar Zone) Pathar Ki Masjid Patna-800006 Phone: 0612 2672066
West Bengal Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (West Bengal zone) 22/1, Lenin Sarani Kolkatta-700013 Phone: 033 22441482, 28320120
Jharkhand Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (Jharkhand Zone) Al-Manar Masjid Baragain More Booty Road Ranchi-834009 Phone:0651 2547938
Gujarat Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (Gujarat Zone) Karishma Complex, B Block, 4th Floor Behind APMC 132 FT, Ring Road Juhapura Ahmedabad-380055 Phone: 079 26829318, 26829319
Delhi Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (Delhi & Hariyana Zone) 1353, Chitli Qabar Jama Masjid Delhi-110006 Phone: 011 23288575
Assam (South) Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (Assam South zone) Islamic Centre & Masjid-e-Halima Dawat Nagar, PO Badarpur Kareem Ganj Dist-788806 Phone: 09854348935
Assam (North) Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (Assam North zone) H No 23, Hedayatpur Guwahati-781003 Phone: 0361 2660487
Rajastan Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (Rajastan Zone) 9, mirji ki Colony Behind MLA Quarters Jaipur-302003 Phone: 0141 2378612, 2360097
Madhyapradesh Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (Madhya pradesh Zone) Huda Complex 33/A, Lala Lajpat Rai Colony Bagh Dilkusha Bhopal-462023 Phone: 0755 275574
We, at MG, receive a lot of queries on scholarships. We are presenting details of some organisations below. We will strive to add more organisations to this list and frequently update this page. #It is not necessary that the following organizations/institutes offer scholarships only to Muslim students. =================================================================================
The fund, to be generated through donations, will be spent mainly to improve education, health and housing facilities of the poor Muslims across India
Published on 8/6/2008 4:40:13 PM By Rajeev Ranjan Roy
New Delhi: India's Muslim outfit, The Jammat-e-Islami Hind (JIH) has planned a Rs 5,500 crore action plan to improve the socio-economic conditions of poor Muslims in the country.
The fund, to be generated through donations, will be spent mainly to improve education, health and housing facilities of the poor Muslims across the country.
Alarmed by the findings of the Justice Rajinder Sachar Committee, which painted a dismal picture of the socio-economic conditions of Muslims in India, the Jammat intends to build an international technical university costing Rs 500 crore.
The estimated cost of establishing a student hostel in each state as well as 10 centres of higher learning has been pegged at Rs 900 crore.
All this is part of the Jammat's 'Vision-2016' aimed at providing free quality education and health services to the poorest among India's 140-million-strong Muslims. The Indian Muslim population is the world's third largest—after Indonesia and Pakistan.
"We are committed to achieve the objectives of Vision-2016 within the stipulated period of time. Funds will be generated through donations," said KA Siddiq Hassan, a retired university professor and vice-president of JIH, which is headquartered in New Delhi.
Although the government has plans to improve the conditions of minorities, it is increasingly felt that the community's lot will change for the better only when Muslims activists and groups contribute their bit.
The Jammat's health agenda includes setting up a super speciality hospital at an estimated cost of Rs 200 crore and 10 speciality hospitals with an investment of Rs 800 crore.
"The process and planning for all the projects are going on smoothly. Hopefully, the targets will be achieved. The total estimated cost for health projects is around Rs 23,300 crore," Hassan said.
The Jammat has decided to construct 10,000 dwelling units in urban India for Rs 600 crore while 100 model Islamic villages will also be developed by 2016.
"Each model village will have 100 houses, a primary and higher secondary school, a clinic-cum-diagnostic centre, a community hall, a shopping complex and a mosque," Hassan said.
The Jammat's 'Vision-2016' talks of total emancipation of poor Muslims.
"The Vision-2016 aims at imparting quality primary and secondary education to the poorest among Muslims. We also intend to provide them health facilities and financial assistance for economic empowerment," Hassan said.
The Rajinder Sachar report, submitted in November 2006, brought out the prevalence of widespread illiteracy and poverty among minorities.
It said that 25 per cent of Muslim children in the 6-14 age group have either never attended school or have dropped out. In premier colleges, only one out of 25 under-graduate students and one out of 50 post-graduate students is a Muslim.
The Jammat's initiatives are winning kudos.
"No community should depend on government aid for social, economic and educational enhancement. If a community body comes out with a plan for affirmative action, one should welcome such steps," Friends for Education Group Chairman Firoz Bakht Ahmed said.
"There is not enough awareness that education can do wonders. Those well-placed in the community must come forward to the rescue of those on the margins," Ahmed added. ----------------------------
Alcoholism statistics are generally based on solid research. This
research is usually performed by sociologists, educators, or those who
are simply interested in knowing how alcoholism
affects society and the world. Statistics that are based on drug and
alcohol use are never 100 percent accurate because there is no way to
accurately determine how alcoholism affects each individual in the
world. However, we can use statistics to gain a good understanding of
the social and societal impact that alcoholism has on individuals of all
ages, from babies to the elderly.
Over 14 million people in the United States have an alcohol
addiction. However, you do not have to be an alcoholic to be impacted by
alcoholism. Just as with most drugs, alcohol does not only impact the
individual who is suffering from alcohol dependence. Alcoholism also
impacts a person’s spouse, relatives, friends and children. Alcoholism
can also affect total strangers, as many individuals lose their lives
yearly at the hands of drunk drivers. Exploring common alcohol abuse
statistics and researching information about alcoholism is a great way
for individuals to educate themselves on the dangers of alcohol.
Children and Alcoholism
There are countless statistics available on the effects that
alcoholism has on children. Kids that grow up in a home with one or more
parents who are alcoholics often have emotional problems.
One in five children live with at least one adult who is an alcoholic,
and these children often see themselves as the cause of the alcoholic
behavior that surrounds them. Children who live with alcoholics also
have a higher likelihood of becoming alcoholics themselves, and they
will likely try their first drink before or during their teenage years.
Alcoholism and Pregnancy
Fetal alcohol syndrome is one of the most common birth defects in children. This condition develops when pregnant mothers binge drink
throughout their pregnancies. Over 50,000 children in the United States
alone are born with severe cases of fetal alcohol syndrome each year.
If babies suffering with this syndrome are not cured, they can suffer
from mild to severe mental retardation and other birth defects. When
babies are born addicted to alcohol, they must undergo the process of
detoxification, and a medical practitioner must closely supervise them
throughout this process. Mothers who drink excessively
during their pregnancies also have a higher likelihood of delivering a
stillborn baby. For these reasons, most health practitioners encourage
mothers to stop drinking immediately after learning they are pregnant.
Alcoholism and the Elderly
Alcoholism does not only affect young and middle-aged individuals, as
the elderly population accounts for a large portion of individuals who
abuse alcohol. Over three million individuals who abuse alcohol in the
United States are over age 60. In addition, there has been a great
increase in the number of “baby boomers” becoming addicted to alcohol.
Alcoholism is also common among elderly individuals who are single and
have limited incomes. It is also common for elderly individuals to turn
to alcohol after the loss of a long-time spouse.
Alcoholism and Illness
Alcoholism can lead to a host of illnesses, many of which can cause
irreversible damage to the body. Cirrhosis of the liver is a common
disease that many individuals who suffer from alcoholism obtain,
primarily if they have been consuming large amounts of alcohol for many
years. Excessive alcohol consumption also doubles a person’s chances of
developing colon, kidney, throat, rectal, and esophageal cancer.
Alcoholism also compromises the immune system severely, making it easier
for alcoholics to contract bacterial and viral diseases.
Alcoholism and Genetics
Science has proven that genetics play a significant role in the
development of alcoholism. Statistics show that over 40 percent of
individuals suffering from alcoholism were genetically predisposed to
this disease. However, not all individuals with a genetic predisposition to alcoholism
become alcoholics. In those who either never drink or drink
occasionally, these genes will lay dormant, but heavy drinkers who are
predisposed to alcoholism can become addicted to alcohol rather quickly.
Mortality
The mortality rate in individuals who consume excessive amounts of alcohol is quite high. Driving accidents, alcohol poisoning,
damaged organs and decreased immunity are just some of the problems
that alcoholics face. Many also face a host of psychological problems as
well, and many are depressed and contemplate suicide. The majority of
alcoholics need some form of psychological counseling.
Getting Help
Those
suffering from alcoholism are often crying out for help. Family members
and loved ones are often available, but most often, professional help
is necessary. The majority of individuals suffering from alcohol
dependence must undergo detoxification.
They must also learn to cope without using alcohol consistently, which
is why there is a great deal of support available to individuals who
struggle with alcohol abuse. Alcoholics Anonymous is the most popular
group available to individuals with alcohol addictions, but there are
many other support groups available as well. These alcoholism statistics
show that alcoholism is a very serious disease, and it is important for those suffering from this disease to seek professional help. -----------------------------------
Underage drinking statistics tell the story of America’s battle with alcoholism.
Knowing how many young people are drinking encourages governments and
communities to step up their efforts for prevention and treatment.
At the same time, each alcohol abuse situation is unique and deserves individualized attention. If you believe you may have a drinking problem
or if you suspect a friend or family member may be abusing alcohol, you
can find help. The following statistics reveal the ways youths are
harming themselves and what can be done to recognize the signs of an
underage drinking problem.
Extent of Underage Drinking in the United States
“Despite age 21 being the legal drinking age, children as young as 12 years old have engaged in under-age alcoholism.”Approximately
one out of every ten alcoholic drinks in the U.S.A. is consumed
illegally. Despite age 21 being the legal drinking age, children as
young as 12 years old have engaged in under-age alcoholism. In fact,
more than 70 percent of teens have consumed at least one alcoholic
beverage by the time they reach age 18, which is still under the legal
age. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention presents some
alarming underage drinking statistics for 2009. When high school
students were asked about their behaviors during the previous 30 days:
Four out of ten had drunk beer, wine, spirits, or liquor (before their 21st birthdays)
One of those four people had driven after drinking alcohol
One out of four had engaged in binge drinking, which is having five or more drinks during the same occasion
Just as many, approximately one out of four, had ridden in a vehicle with a drunk driver
“Approximately one out of every ten alcoholic drinks in the U.S.A. is consumed illegally.”Binge
drinking, in particular, is a problem for teens. Studies on underage
drinkers reveal that teenagers do not drink as frequently as adults, but
they do tend to drink more in a single setting. More than 90 percent of
under age alcoholism is related to binge drinking. If you fall into any of these categories, you may be unaware of the
consequences or you may be afraid of what will happen if you stop drinking. By calling 1-800-928-9139, you can speak with a knowledgeable counselor who can evaluate your situation confidentially and suggest treatment options.
What Happens When Teens Drink Too Much?
Many children and young adults do not understand the consequences of drinking too much.
The social aspects of drinking, whether for rebellion, self-medication,
or peer acceptance, often mask the underlying damage caused by alcohol. Underage drinking leads to numerous physical, mental, and social
issues. Because children and teens are still maturing, even one
alcoholic drink can stunt or prevent crucial development within the
brain and body. Ongoing drinking episodes and binge drinking can lead to
large-scale problems and lifelong consequences. Some of the most common
potential issues include:
Trouble remembering specific events or whole periods of time
Physical assault
Sexual assault, as a perpetrator or a victim
Pregnancy or sexually transmitted diseases from unplanned and unprotected sex
Failing grades and absences from school
Social isolation and rejection
Hangovers, liver disease, and alcohol-related cancers
Legal prosecution and jail time
Car crashes, burns, falls, or drowning
Abuse of other illegal or prescription drugs for a bigger high
Approximately 190,000 people visited hospital emergency rooms in 2008
due to injuries and conditions linked to underage drinking.
Ways to Recognize a Drinking Problem
Most people have trouble admitting they have an alcohol problem.
Whether they are adults, teenagers, or children, they either do not see
the signs themselves or they are in denial about the situation. The
following signs can help detect whether you or someone you love has an
underage drinking problem:
Unusual changes in mood, including irritability, sudden flares of temper, and defensive words or actions
Slurred speech, bloodshot eyes, stumbling, forgetfulness, and difficulty concentrating
Rebellion against school rules, family rules, or social conventions
Sudden switch to friends who are unknown to the parents or guardians
Abnormal problems in school, such as low grades, attendance and tardiness issues, and disciplinary actions
Low energy, lack of involvement, and a general sloppy appearance
Presence of alcohol in a child’s room, backpack, locker, vehicle, or other places of importance
Smelling alcohol on the person’s breath
The appearance of a single warning sign may be no cause for alarm,
but a person meeting several of the criteria may benefit from a
professional evaluation. To speak with an advisor about your unique
situation, please call 1-800-555-5555. A simple phone call can prevent another person from becoming an additional victim in underage drinking statistics.
Teen pregnancies in Chennai are not uncommon and they are on the rise in the city, especially among the affluent and lower income groups. And if at all the number of schoolgirls undergoing abortions at hospitals has gone down, it is because of morning-after pills being available over the counter in the city’s pharmacies.
Those
suffering from alcoholism are often crying out for help. Family members
and loved ones are often available, but most often, professional help
is necessary. The majority of individuals suffering from alcohol
dependence must undergo 
