Telangana government reiterates support for Urdu journalists at TUWJF awards
Hyderabad: Telangana Minorities Welfare Minister Mohammed Azharuddin said the state government would resolve the issues of Urdu journalists and strengthen Urdu journalism. He also promised to discuss pending issues related to the promotion of Urdu with the Chief Minister and the concerned departments.
Azharuddin spoke at the 10th Year Celebrations and Annual Awards Ceremony organised by the Telangana Urdu Working Journalists’ Federation (TUWJF) at the Telangana Media Academy auditorium in Nampally.
He described journalism as a noble profession and said journalists hold a respected place in society. He added that constructive criticism helps governments improve governance and public service.
The minister praised TUWJF President M.A. Majid and General Secretary Syed Ghouse Mohiuddin for consistently raising journalists’ concerns with the government. He congratulated the federation for organising the event and wished all award recipients success.
Azharuddin also promised to introduce Urdu signboards at government offices across the state wherever they are missing.
Government Adviser Mohammed Ali Shabbir also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting Urdu and supporting Urdu journalists. He recalled the important role of Urdu in higher education before Independence. He said several prominent leaders, including former Chief Minister M. Chenna Reddy, studied through Urdu at Osmania University.
Government outlines measures for Urdu journalists
Shabbir urged citizens and journalists to submit written complaints to the concerned authorities. He said written representations allow the government to act against officials who ignore genuine grievances.
He welcomed the extension of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise. He also appreciated the government’s decision to issue permanent residence certificates to eligible ration card holders.
Shabbir advised families not to change a bride’s name in the Nikahnama if it differs from her Aadhaar card or educational certificates. He said such differences often create legal and administrative problems.
Earlier, TUWJF President M.A. Majid said the federation works to protect the interests of Urdu journalists. He said it raises their concerns before the government and promotes unity among the Urdu-speaking community.
Majid said an independent committee selected the award winners to ensure transparency and fairness. He also thanked the Telangana Media Academy for publishing monographs on renowned journalist Abid Ali Khan and senior journalist Naseem Arifi.
TUWJF honours journalists and media veterans
TUWJF honoured Naveed Bilal, Hafiz M. Qayyum, Imtiaz Khan, Afzal Khan, Ejaz Ahmed Khan, Abdul Ahad Siddiqui and Ayesha Batool. Each recipient received a citation, a shawl, a memento and a cash award of ₹10,000.
The federation also felicitated senior media personalities Aziz Ahmed, Umar Draz Khan, Dr Fazal Hussain Parvez, Amar Devulapalli and Maskeen Ahmed for their contribution to Urdu journalism.
Senior journalist Osman Rashid felicitated Mohammed Azharuddin and Mohammed Ali Shabbir during the programme.
TUWJF Vice President Jilani said Urdu belongs to every community. He acknowledged the contribution of non-Muslims to the growth of the language.
Senior journalist Amar Devulapalli spoke about his lifelong admiration for Urdu. He recalled that his father regularly recited the poetry of Mirza Ghalib.
Veteran journalist Maskeen Ahmed urged the government to install Urdu signboards on state-run buses as well as government offices.
Sajida Begum (Sana) conducted the programme. Mohammed Amjad Ali recited verses from the Holy Quran. Sheikh Rafiuddin Asif presented Hamd and Naat. Abdul Muqtadir Sharfi concluded the event with prayers.
A large number of journalists, editors, writers and media professionals from Hyderabad and other districts attended the event. Organisers said TUWJF would continue working for the welfare of Urdu journalists. They also pledged to promote Urdu and strengthen coordination between the media fraternity and the government.
TMREIS Vice Chairman and President Mohammed Faheemuddin Qureshi, Telangana Urdu Academy Assistant Director V. Krishna and several other dignitaries also attended the ceremony.
