Latest news with #Sofiya


New Indian Express
4 days ago
- Business
- New Indian Express
Wayanad landslides: Survivors try luck with eateries; many give up, some carry on
KALPETTA: Sofiya Jayan, a resident of Chooralmala School Road, worked as a tea garden labourer at the Vanarani Estate in Mundakkai. Her husband, Jayan, was a daily wager. That was before the landslide ripped through the region. Now, the couple runs a tea stall – named 'Chooralmala Thattukada' – on the Kalpetta Bypass Road. 'The landslide has taken away our livelihood. We had been receiving work through connections with our neighbours and other villagers. As we have lost our neighbourhood itself, it's hard to find a job in this new place. We searched a lot for jobs, but finally decided to start a tea stall,' Sofiya told TNIE. The river Punnapuzha overflowed and the entire neighbourhood was washed away in the landslide that struck on July 30, 2024. Since their house is located in the 'No Go Zone' marked by the John Mathai Committee, Sofiya and Jayan have moved to a rented house in Kalpetta. Many of the daily wage earners and plantation workers of Mundakkai-Chooralmala, who subsisted on the resources available in the area, started eateries to survive the disaster. Especially, those lacking specific expertise or skills are trying their luck with roadside eateries, thinking they are easier to manage. But many have already closed their shops, struggling as they were without adequate knowledge of running a business. Some, like Sofiya continue to run their shops because they have failed to find other jobs. 'We receive Rs 9,000 as daily allowance and Rs 6,000 as rent from the government. We have also been included in the government's township beneficiary list. But we need a job to survive and meet our daily expenses,' Sofiya said. She could cook some snacks, so they decided to start a tea stall, she said.


Time of India
23-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
‘Chinnamarumagal' fame Sofiya joins the cast of ‘Anna'
The much-loved Tamil TV serial Anna is all set to welcome a new addition to its dynamic ensemble. Actress Sofiya, who shot to fame with her role in Chinnamarumagal, has officially joined the cast, bringing a fresh wave of excitement and anticipation among viewers. Anna, which premiered in May 2023, has consistently ranked high on the TRP charts, thanks to its emotionally engaging storyline and power-packed performances. The show revolves around the life of Shanmugam, played by Mirchi Senthil, a selfless brother who prioritises his sisters' futures above his own. As the narrative explores familial bonds, sacrifices, and hidden aspirations, it continues to resonate with a wide audience. Sofiya's inclusion is expected to usher in a new phase of twists and turns in the plot. Known for her versatility as an actress, model, and social media influencer, Sofiya's on-screen presence is likely to add depth and spark to the ongoing storyline. Her entry has been described as a strategic move by the makers to keep the narrative gripping and unpredictable. The show already boasts a stellar lineup, including Nithya Ram, Poovilangu Mohan, Rosary, Subiksha, Preetha, Hema, Sunitha, Thara, Srilatha, Abi, and DJD. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Free P2,000 GCash eGift UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo Helmed by director A. Durga Saravanan, with cinematography by Kalaivanan and editing by Aravind, Anna continues to be a visual and emotional treat for its loyal viewers. As Sofiya gears up to make her debut in Anna, fans are eagerly waiting to see how her character will influence the lives of Shanmugam and his family. With promises of high-voltage drama and heartfelt moments, the upcoming episodes are sure to keep the audience glued to their screens.


India Today
01-06-2025
- Politics
- India Today
Assam rain mayhem: Over 2800 people rescued as floods and landslides hit state
2:51 BJP has denied reports claiming it will use Colonel Sofiya and Wing Commander Vyomika as poll campaign faces for 'Operation Sindoor'. The party clarified that while Colonel Sophia represents Muslim Nari Shakti, they will not be using these figures for election campaigns. BJP plans to hold discussions about government schemes and women's empowerment, including military training for girls, in various religious institutions.


The Print
30-05-2025
- Politics
- The Print
‘Be the next Colonel Sofiya'—BJP's Muslim women outreach, with chaupals; 1st one at Shaheen Bagh
Speaking to ThePrint, Jamal Siddiqui, national president of the BJP's Minority Morcha, said the first chaupal will be held in Shaheen Bagh, which had become the epicentre of protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). As part of the chaupal, the morcha will also distribute copies of the Constitution and discuss Operation Sindoor. Colonel Qureshi, who along with IAF Wing Commander Vyomika Singh led India's press briefings on Operation Sindoor, will be the face of the campaign through which the success of Operation Sindoor will be conveyed to the public. New Delhi: Colonel Sofiya Qureshi will be the 'focus' of BJP chaupals, to be organised across the country by the party's minority wing to celebrate 11 years of the Narendra Modi-led government. The first chaupal will take place in Delhi's Shaheen Bagh, on 9 June. 'We will be organising a number of chaupals, with the first one starting on 9 June from Shaheen Bagh. This chaupal is part of the '11 Years of Modi Government—Sankalp Se Siddhi' programmes. We will be especially reaching out to women and encouraging them to join the NCC and Agniveer scheme of the Modi government. They have a fine example of Colonel Sofiya in front of them who told the world what strength Indian women have,' he added. The morcha will also distribute pamphlets during the chaupals. 'The bravery exemplified by Colonel Sofiya is a message for all Muslim women that they too can become the next Colonel Sofiya. She's an idol for Muslim women. Whether it is in the Army, in their everyday lives, or while dealing with domestic violence, military training can come handy in every possible way and we will encourage them to join NCC,' said Siddiqui. The chaupals will be held at dargahs, outside mosques and tombs, among other places. The morcha is hoping to organise at least 20,000 such gatherings. 'Whether it is Operation Sindoor, or reservation provided by the Modi government or even Agniveer, our women are being encouraged in every field by the government and we will highlight how Islam too will gain from this,' he added. Siddiqui said it is vital that the importance of the Agniveer scheme is also understood by the people. 'We will tell our sisters through the chaupal to become Agniveers, join NCC and take training. Training is very important, it will make you physically strong and in difficult times, when needed, you can protect yourself and your people.' Siddiqui further said that a narrative is often built among minorities that women should remain confined to their homes, but women like Colonel Sofiya have helped break that stereotype, which is why their campaign will focus on her. As part of the chaupal, Ayushman cards will also be prepared and distributed among senior citizens who attend. The Minority Morcha president also said that if required, it will request the government to implement training sessions for women in madrasas and schools. The BJP has launched a programme to celebrate the achievements of the Modi government as it is set to complete 11 years on 9 June, when Modi took oath as prime minister for the third time last year. Party president J.P. Nadda has come up with a number of guidelines for organising various events including chaupals, registration camps for centrally sponsored schemes, digital competition, panel discussions etc. (Edited by Gitanjali Das) Also Read: Khattar protégé, serial poll loser—BJP's Jangra who said Pahalgam victims' wives 'lacked warrior spirit'


Time of India
27-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
PM Narendra Modi holds roadshow in Vadodara & Ahmedabad, hails Operation Sindoor
PM Narendra Modi greets people during a roadshow in the city on Monday evening. (R) Earlier in the day, he held a roadshow in Vadodara AHMEDABAD/VADODARA: Waving the national flag and holding posters hailing India's resounding military action against Pakistan, thousands of people thronged the roadshows of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Ahmedabad and Vadodara on Monday, as the PM visited his home state for the first time since Operation Sindoor . During his roadshow in Vadodara, titled 'Sindoor Samman Yatra' earlier in the day, Modi greeted the family of Col Sofiya Qureshi, who was among the faces of the govt briefings during Operation Sindoor. Her family was given space on a stage along the roadshow route and showered flowers on the PM when he drew near. When Modi's motorcade got near the stage, it slowed down, and his SUV moved closer to the stage, much to the surprise of the family. When the PM got close to the stage, the family showered rose petals on him. Modi greeted them with a 'namaste' by folding his hands and asked about their well-being with gestures. He then gave them a thumbs up before moving on. Sofiya's brother, Mohammed Sanjay Qureshi, said they were surprised and proud of the interaction. 'It is like a dream come true. We will remember this for a lifetime,' he added. Sofiya's twin sister, Shyna Sunsara, told media persons that the family felt honoured. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trade Bitcoin & Ethereum – No Wallet Needed! IC Markets Start Now Undo She added that Sofiya was not merely her sister but the sister of the nation. 'She is an inspiration not only for us but for others too,' she said. Later in the evening, thousands of citizens in Ahmedabad greeted the PM by waving the national flag and holding posters hailing India's resounding military action against Pakistan. They showered flowers towards the PM during the roadshow from the city airport to Indira Bridge. Flanked by chief minister Bhupendra Patel and state BJP president C R Paatil, the PM stood on a saffron-coloured open vehicle throughout the roadshow, waving at people and greeting them. Along the route, artists performed on various patriotic themes from 19 podiums that were erected along the route as huge billboards announced India's decisive military prowess during Operation Sindoor. The BrahMos missiles, and the Tejas and Rafale aircraft also featured prominently on various billboards along the roadshow route. While both sides of the road from the airport to Indira Bridge were packed with people greeting the PM and waving the tricolour, a large number of people were seen standing on the roofs and in balconies of buildings located along the route. The PM was seen waving back at people greeting him from the rooftops of buildings. A Bhavnagar-based artist, Puja Jani, gifted a painting based on Operation Sindoor to the PM. The PM's security accepted the painting along the route.