Fatehpur Sikri Awakens: A New Spiritual Dawn under Arshad Faridi Chishti

Asif Zaman Rizvi

The historic soil of Fatehpur Sikri, renowned for its exquisite architecture, illustrious history, and spiritual significance, is once again witnessing a glorious spiritual renaissance. This land — a long-standing confluence of mysticism, Sufism, and social harmony — now stands at the threshold of a new chapter. The Dargah of Hazrat Sheikh Salim Chishti (RA), a beacon of spirituality, love, and brotherhood for centuries across India, now strides towards a fresh awakening under the stewardship of its 17th successor, Peerzada Arshad Azim Faridi Chishti. His ascension as the Sajjadanashin not only preserves a 500-year-old tradition but infuses it with a modern outlook, social consciousness, and the sharp sensibility of a seasoned journalist.

The Dargah of Hazrat Sheikh Salim Chishti (RA) at Fatehpur Sikri holds an unparalleled place in history. It was here that the mighty Mughal Emperor Akbar, seeking the boon of a son, humbly submitted himself before the saint and received his blessings. When Akbar was finally blessed with a child, he founded the grand city of Fatehpur Sikri upon this sacred soil and, under the saint’s guidance, commissioned the building of the Dargah. In 1576, during the appointment of the Dargah’s first Sajjadanashin, Hazrat Sheikh Badruddin Chishti (RA), Akbar himself was present to solemnize and honor the sanctity of this revered shrine. Moreover, Akbar elevated the sons and descendants of Hazrat Sheikh Salim Chishti (RA) to prominent positions within his court, publicly demonstrating his reverence and veneration for the saint.

Today, the Dargah is not merely a sacred space for India but a living symbol of love, peace, and humanity for the entire world — where devotees, irrespective of caste, creed, color, or gender, arrive with faith in their hearts and prayers on their lips. The lofty stature of this shrine breathes life into India’s spiritual heritage and the inclusive spirit of Sufism

The hallowed ground of Fatehpur Sikri, whose every stone bears testimony to golden chapters of history, remains vibrant with that same spiritual energy. Even now, the winds carry the devotion that once filled the air in Emperor Akbar’s time — a devotion to the great saint who, through his asceticism and prayers, sowed the seeds of love and liberation for all humanity. The Dargah continues to uphold the eternal flame of love and faith for mankind.

This sacred site has never been merely a religious center; it stands as a living testament to India’s Ganga-Jamuni tehzeeb — the composite culture of harmonious coexistence. People from every faith, caste, and creed bow here with equal devotion. For centuries, this epicenter of Sufism has radiated the spirit of love, brotherhood, and social harmony — a spirit that is needed now more than ever. The mantle of preserving and nurturing this priceless heritage now rests in the capable hands of a man known for his simplicity, erudition, compassion, and deep social commitment — Peerzada Arshad Azim Faridi Chishti.

Born into a family where Sufi tradition was not just a faith but a way of life, Arshad Faridi Chishti imbibed spirituality and selfless service from a young age. His father, Peerzada Rais Miyan Faridi Chishti, himself served the Dargah devotedly from childhood. In such an atmosphere, Arshad Sahib developed a profound spiritual grounding alongside distinguished modern education. His more than three-decade-long career in journalism — with reputed newspapers like Dainik Jagran, Amar Ujala, and Rashtriya Sahara — gave him a penetrating understanding of social concerns. His writings became the voice of the marginalized, the oppressed, and the overlooked, embodying journalism as a powerful vehicle for positive social transformation.

Now, as Sajjadanashin, his multi-faceted persona breathes new life into the Dargah’s traditions. His vision transcends mere spiritual leadership; he aspires to transform the Dargah into a vibrant social center where ideals of love, service, and national unity are celebrated and strengthened. His unpretentious warmth and innate humility naturally endear him to every visitor. His smile carries the soul of Sufi culture — a journey from one heart to another, unmarred by discrimination or hierarchy.

The sacred Rasm-e-Sajjadagi and Jansheeni ceremony witnessed the convergence of distinguished Sufi saints, religious leaders, and dignitaries from across the country. Among those gracing the event were Sayyid Nasiruddin Chishti, the successor of Ajmer Sharif; Sahibzada Sayyid Hamza Miyan Chishti; Peer Farid Nizami of Nizamuddin Auliya Dargah; Nayyar Miyan of Rudhauli Dargah; Ali Shah Miyan of Kaliyar Sharif; and many others from Hyderabad and beyond. Political figures such as BJP MP Rajkumar Chahar, Samajwadi Party MP Muheebullah Nadvi, and former MP Ashok Tanwar also enhanced the occasion with their presence.

Arshad Faridi Chishti is the illustrious son of Peerzada Rais Miyan Chishti — himself a highly revered Sajjadanashin whose influence reached deeply into social, religious, and political spheres. When Rais Miyan Chishti was entrusted with the sacred responsibility at the tender age of seven in 1943, he upheld the Chishti tradition with unmatched dignity and depth. Now, after a span of 80 years, this mantle has been ceremoniously and unanimously bestowed upon Arshad Faridi Chishti.

This succession is not a mere familial formality; it is the continuation of a profound spiritual journey — a path rooted in service, devotion, and humanitarian guidance. With Arshad Faridi at its helm, this tradition witnesses a synthesis of spirituality with scientific reasoning, of age-old custom with progressive interpretation, and of religious leadership with social revolution.

Not only a spiritual leader, Arshad Faridi Chishti is a seasoned journalist who served prestigious newspapers for 32 years. As editor of Roznama Mera Watan (Urdu) and Metro Media (Hindi), his journalism sought not just to report news but to illuminate the truths hidden in society’s shadows. He championed the causes of minorities, exposed layers of corruption, narrated tales of social injustice, and advocated for the rights of the marginalized — living journalism as a mission rather than a profession.

Now, when this vision merges with the spirit of Sufism, it generates a new force. The love, devotion, and equality at the heart of Sufi thought blend with Arshad Faridi’s social commitment, giving rise to a broader and richer expression. His elevation as Sajjadanashin is not just a religious event but a transfer of a profound ideology — one that embraces modernity not as an adversary but as a complement to tradition. In an age marred by religious intolerance and division, the voice from Fatehpur Sikri resounds with a message of dialogue, inclusivity, and concord.

Gifted with Aquarian traits — creativity, independence, humanitarian sensitivity, and progressivism — Arshad Faridi Chishti appeals not only to the devout but to intellectuals, politicians, and administrators alike.

His greatest achievement lies in tirelessly working for communal harmony and peace in and around Fatehpur Sikri. His active involvement with the Waqf Board, local administration, and Dargah management underscores his identity as both a religious leader and a social reformer. Under his spiritual tenure, the Dargah will not remain a mere sanctuary of faith but will blossom into a vibrant hub for dialogue, where diverse religions, ideologies, and cultures will converge.

Honored nationally and internationally, Arshad Faridi Chishti’s accolades include the Best Journalist Award by the Delhi Assembly (2003), the Matrashri Award (2005), and recognitions from the Ezaz Rizvi Memorial Society (2018) and the All India Minority Forum (2022). He represented India at the United Nations World Peace Conference in Bangkok (2003) and the World Hindi Conference in Johannesburg, South Africa — experiences that will further globalize the prominence of the holy Dargah.

As a member of India’s National Council for Promotion of Urdu Language (NCPUL), Arshad Faridi Chishti’s influence extends into linguistic and cultural dialogues, providing fertile ground to promote Sufi literature, Urdu poetry, and spiritual education. Through his efforts, the Dargah shall evolve into not just a place of worship but a pulsating center of cultural and educational renaissance.

Now, as he assumes his role as Sajjadanashin of this revered center of Sufism, it signals not just the continuation of a tradition but the dawn of a new era — an era where tradition harmonizes with modernity, where spirituality intertwines with social awakening, and where leadership radiates the spirit of humble service. Under his visionary guidance, the Dargah of Fatehpur Sikri shall not only remain a nucleus of faith but will rise as an institution embodying education, dialogue, social justice, and communal harmony.

This narrative beautifully captures how traditions become even more meaningful when infused with fresh thought and new vigor — and Arshad Faridi Chishti stands as a glowing symbol of this renaissance.

He deeply understands the profound relevance of Sufi culture in a diverse country like India. He believes that the essence of Sufism lies in love, tolerance, and unity — invaluable treasures in today’s tense world. His vision for the Dargah encompasses not just spiritual elevation but initiatives in education, healthcare, and social welfare: scholarships for students, empowerment programs for women, and free medical camps for the needy.

His vision is truly inclusive, establishing him not only as a leader for Muslims but as a guide for all humanity. In his view, the Dargah is a lighthouse piercing through the darkness of hatred with the light of compassion and love. He asserts that true Sufi tradition does not create boundaries but bridges hearts.

That is why Sufi saints, religious scholars, and social activists from across the nation celebrate his leadership. With this new chapter at Hazrat Salim Chishti’s Dargah, Fatehpur Sikri is once again imprinted upon the map of India’s national consciousness. From here, the resounding echoes of love, service, and unity will inspire generations to come.

The ceremony concluded with heartfelt prayers by Peerzada Rais Miyan Faridi Chishti for the welfare of all humanity, followed by a grand traditional feast (langar) where dal-bati-churma and thandai delighted every guest, reaffirming that the Dargah is not only a center of spirituality but a living celebration of love and fraternity.

Summing up this entire occasion is a soul-stirring quote from Arshad Faridi Chishti:

“A Sufi is not one who towers above the minarets;
A true Sufi is one who sows seeds of love and compassion in every heart’s soil.”

And thus begins a new chapter…

Asif Zaman Rizvi

Ladakh Taekwondo Association under the aegis of India Taekwondo organized first UT Ladakh Taekwondo Championship at indoor stadium Kargil today.

The chief guest on the occasion was Executive Councillor for work LAHDC Kargil Syed Abbas Rezvi while as Councillor Shargole Mohd Ali Chandan was the guest of honour and Special guest was Mohd Ramzan Khan President Leh Taekwondo Association.
EC Syed Abbas Razvi thanked and congratulated Ladakh Taekwondo Association  for their handwork and efforts to promote Taekwondo in Ladakh and making the Game the first and only olympic game which has brought laurels to Ladakh even at International Level..
EC said that one of the main aim of council is to promote our youths talent and give them exposure. He appealed the players to focus on one goal and put more and more efforts on the particular talent they have.
He further ensured that his whole support will be with the spokespersons of Ladakh always.
Councillor Shargole Ali Chandan thanked Ladakh Taekwondo association for their immense contribution to the game.  Expressing happiness over the establishment of Taekwondo Association in Shargole recently, he said that the association is doing very well. He urged the association to bring more youths in the field of Taekwondo.
He expressed surprise over the Administration of  UT Ladakh  for not recognizing and recommending  Nono Tashi Tundup for State Award as he has represented our country at international level in Taekwondo at World University Games at Italy, which is an Olympic games.
Gulzar Hussain Munshi President Ladakh Taekwondo Association said that after the establishment of UT Ladakh, this is for the first time  LTA is organizing State championship and preparing players for National and other tournaments.
He further added that so far 6 players from Ladakh participated at international level  and 100s at national  level.
Pertinently, a number of 232 players of different associations from all parts of Ladakh participated in the 1st State championship and it will last upto 11th November 2021.
on this occasion others present include, General Secretary LTA Anayat Ali Shotopa, General Secretary District Kargil Olympic Association Syed Mehraj Uddin Shah, Incharge Sports Authority of India Ghulam Mustafa, Executive Body of LTA and Parents.

Meet Haris Sumair who cracked UPSC CSE 2020

He has taken coaching from MS IAS Academy.

Hyderabad: The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) on Friday declared the final results of the civil services examination 2020. A total of 761 candidates have cleared the examination.

Mohd Haris Sumair of Karnataka’s Bidar district is one among them. He has secured All India Rank 270.

During the preparation, Sumair has received guidance from his brother, Nadeem who is an IPS officer of the 2019 batch, Kerala-cadre, Hindustan Gazette reported.

Sumair who is an engineering graduate was offered a job by Intel company during the campus interviews. However, he has decided not to accept the offer as he wanted to crack the civil service examination.

He started preparing for the examination immediately after the completion of engineering. He used to dedicate 15 hours every day for the preparation. He has taken coaching from MS IAS Academy.

Sumair’s father Nayeemuddin has been quoted saying that preliminary education plays important role in the foundation of the children.

He further said that he is thankful to the Almighty for giving good children.

Number of students appeared in the exam

Every year, the UPSC conducts the civil services examination to select officers of the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS), Indian Police Service (IPS), and others.

In 2020, over 10.4 lakh candidates applied for the civil services preliminary examination. Out of them, 10,564 candidates qualified for appearance in the main examination which was held in January 2021.

After the declaration of the results of the main examination, 2053 candidates were invited for the personality test. Finally, 761 candidates were able to find their names in the selection list.

Out of 761 candidates, 263 are of general category, 86 from economic weaker section (EWS), 220 of Other Backward Class (OBC), 122 Scheduled Castes (SC) and 61 belong to Scheduled Tribes (ST).

Let’s reclaim the spirit of A.M.U.

We all are aware of Sir Syed Ahmad Khan’s mammoth efforts in shaping the educational landscape of Indian Sub continent in the 19th century by establishing the scientific society, Victoria College, Persian School in Moradabad and the establishment of Mohammedan Anglo Oriental College in Aligarh, which in 1920 became the Aligarh Muslim University. These establishments help Indians specially those who belong to marginalised section of the society to achieve great heights in their educational pursuit and also help them in becoming better human beings. Sir Syed Ahmad Khan was a visionary whose foresightedness helped Indians in mastering English language and thus creating their niche in their own country where they were outclassed and outsmarted by colonial masters because of their proficiency in a universal language. Continue reading “Let’s reclaim the spirit of A.M.U.”

Inspiring: Azharuddin- a taxi driver’ son clears UPSC exam

Despite having financial difficulties, his mother Meraj focused on providing quality education to her children.

NEW DELHI: The Civil Services exam 2019 results have been announced by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).

The coveted Civil Services Examination result has thrown a number of rags to riches stories.

Earlier in 2016, an autorickshaw driver’s son from Jalna, Ansar Ahmad Shaikh, made headlines after he cracks the UPSC in his first attempt and becomes the youngest IAS officer till date.

This year, many inspiring , positive, uplifting stories have been appearing in the newspaper.

Azharuddin Zahiruddin Quazi is also one among the candidates who has successfully cleared the 2019 UPSC examination .

Son of Zahiruddin Quazi, a taxi driver in Yavatmal area of the Vidarbha region of Maharashtra, Azharuddin brought laurels by securing AIR- 315.

Quality education

Azharuddin’s parents have non-degree status. His father is non-matriculate and his mother Meraj is a Class 10 passout.

Despite having financial difficulties, his mother focused on providing quality education to her children.

Azaharuddin and his sibling are all qualified professionally.

One of his sibling has completed MBBS. Second is Chemical Engineer and third a Lawyer. Azharduddin himself is a National Colour Holder in Handball.

A graduated in Commerce from Yavatmal, Azharuddin got selected as a Probationary Officer in Corporation Bank where he served for 6 years before appearing for UPSC.

Azharuddin gets free coaching for the preparation of the coveted recruitment exam from Jamia Hamdard Residential Coaching Residential Academy.

Inspiring stories

Pradeep Singh, who topped the UPSC examination is a farmer’s son.

Another inspiring success story doing the rounds is of Firoj Alam, currently working as a Police Constable in Delhi.

A total of 829 candidates have been recommended for Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS) and Indian Police Service (IPS), among other civil services, it said.

Of the 829 candidates, 304 are from general category, 78 from Economically Weaker Sections (EWS), 251 from Other Backward Classes (OBC), 129 from Schedule Castes and 67 from Schedule Tribe category.

The EWS category was implemented in the exam for the first time in 2019.

Inspiring: Firoz Alam- a Delhi Police constable cracks 2019 UPSC

Civil Service aspirants from the Muslim community have been doing well in the prestigious exams since 2016.

NEW DELHI: Delhi Police constable Firoz Alam had registered a remarkable success in 2019 Civil Services Examinations.

Alam has secured the 645th All India Rank (AIR) in the prestigious all-India examination declared successful by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) on Tuesday.

While Alam had appeared for the UPSC exams for five times before but didn’t succeeded.

However, a graduate from Rana Degree College Pilkhuwa, Alam, cleared the exam in his 6th and final attempt.

According to Indian Express, Alam, who hails from Azampur Dehpa of Uttar Pradesh, is the first ‘officer’ in his family, and his village.

Ever since his story went viral, Twitterati pointing out the similarities on social media of reel-life character of dedicated constable Imran Ansaari of Amazon Prime Video’s ‘Paatal Lok’, and shower Alam with praise.

More from Delhi Police cracks UPSC

Five aspirants from the Delhi Police family have make it to the coveted team of Indian civil servants.

Apart from Alam, Vishakha Yadav, the daughter of ASI Raj Kumar posted in Dwarka district, and Navneet Mann, the daughter of Inspector Sukhdev Singh Mann posted with the vigilance unit, have secured 6th and 33rd all-India rank, respectively.

The inspiring success story of son of a taxi driver is also doing the round. Azharuddin Quazi cleared the IAS 2019 exam securing 315th rank.

Muslims % in UPSC

Apart from Alam and Azharuddin, a total of 40 Muslim candidates have cleared this year’s UPSC examination.

Muslim candidates has registered a 40 per cent increase in the number compared to 28 candidates last year.

Civil Service aspirants from the Muslim community have been doing well and there is a progressive improvement in performance in the prestigious exams since 2016.

Until recently, they constituted only 2.5%. However in 2016, all previous records were broken when 50 Muslim candidates qualified for the UPSC with 10 making it to the top 100.

Courtesy: Siasat

5% Muslims among UPSC CSE qualified candidates; one in top 100

“The realisation among the community to invest more in civil services came with the 2006 Sachar Committee Report, which documented the poor representation of Muslims in government jobs,” said Zafar Mahmood.

New Delhi: Out of 829 candidates who cleared the Civil Services Exam – 2019 batch, 42 are Muslims. The number rose as compared to last year. 28 had cleared in 2018 batch.

However, in the 2016 batch, for the first time in history, 50 Muslims were selected through the UPSC, with 10 making it to the top 100. In the 2017 batch, too, 50 Muslims were selected through the exam.

In 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015 batches, number of selected Muslims were 30, 34, 38 and 36, respectively.

One in top 100

Safna Nazarudeen, who ranked 45, has secured the highest rank among Muslim candidates. Safna is the only Muslim who is in top 100 this year.

“Since 2016, the percentage of Muslim candidates has remained around 5 per cent, which is a big feat, considering that, since Independence, this number was around 2.5 per cent,” said Zafar Mahmood of the Zakat Foundation, which grooms Muslim candidates for the UPSC.

“Out of the 42 candidates who have made it this year, 27 are from Zakat Foundation,” Mahmood said ti The Print.

Sachar Committee Report

“The realisation among the community to invest more in civil services came with the 2006 Sachar Committee Report, which documented the poor representation of Muslims in government jobs,” said Mahmood.

According to the report, at the time, just 3 per cent of IAS officers, 1.8 per cent of Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officers and 4 per cent of IPS officers were Muslims, even though the community comprised 13.4 per cent of the population at the time (2001 census), as reported by The Print.

“Since then, there has been a big change in the outlook of the community, and it has managed to bring the representation each year to 5 per cent,” Mahmood added. “However, considering the total percentage of Muslims in India is 15 per cent, we have to make three times the effort to bring the representation up,” he said.

Courtesy: Siasat

An open letter to the new VC of AMU

Professor Tariq MansoorDear Tariq Mansoor Sb,
At the outset I would extend my heartiest congratulations to you for being appointed as the new Vice Chancellor of Aligarh Muslim University. This post not only brings great responsibility but also great expectations from all those who are related to this seat of learning by one way of other.
I have been visiting AMU quite often during the last 2-3 years and witnessed many key areas which need immediate attention from the top administration and since you are going to take the charge as the head of the institution, I thought of sharing these observations with you. I hope that under your aegis the situation will improve, and we will see AMU as a leading educational Institute by all real means.

Continue reading “An open letter to the new VC of AMU”

AMU condoles demise of Farzand Ahmad

Farzand AhmadALIGARH. The Vice Chancellor of the Aligarh Muslim University, Lt. Gen. Zameer Uddin Shah, expressed deep sense of sorrow and grief on the sad demise of noted journalist Farzan Ahmad. Ahmad breathed his last in Lucknow on the second of October after prolonged illness.

Lt. Gen. Shah said that Ahmad, who also served as State Information Commissioner, Bihar and Adviser to Department of Vocational Education, Uttar Pradesh Government, created a niche for himself in the field of journalism through his hard work and determination. He said that Mr. Ahmad’s death had left a huge void in the media world, which would be difficult to fill. He prayed for eternal peace to the departed soul and solace to the bereaved family. Continue reading “AMU condoles demise of Farzand Ahmad”

Kalam – The Legacy Lives On

Dr APJ Abdul Kalam“If a country is to be corruption free and become a nation of beautiful minds, I strongly feel there are three key societal members who can make a difference. They are the father, the mother and the teacher”- Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam

WE all know Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam as a great scientist and visionary, but today I am going to touch upon his role as a teacher. It is in this role that he transformed many lives and became a role model of millions.

Years back when he visited Jamia Millia Islamia, he took questions from the students. The first question was, “Which role do you prefer – the president or the scientist?” He promptly replied, “A teacher.” Continue reading “Kalam – The Legacy Lives On”