Hyderabad: Telangana Minorities Welfare Minister Mohammed Azharuddin on Saturday said resolving journalists’ issues and promoting Urdu journalism remained priorities for the state government. He made the remarks at the Urdu journalists awards ceremony organised by the Telangana Urdu Working Journalists’ Federation (TUWJF).
Azharuddin said the government would address concerns related to Urdu promotion through discussions with Chief Minister and concerned departments. He also assured efforts to introduce Urdu signboards at government offices where they were missing.
The minister was speaking at TUWJF’s 10th Year Celebrations and Annual Awards Ceremony at the Telangana Media Academy auditorium in Nampally. He described journalism as a noble profession and said constructive criticism helped governments improve public services.
Azharuddin praised TUWJF President M.A. Majid and General Secretary Syed Ghouse Mohiuddin for raising journalists’ concerns before the government. He also congratulated award winners and appreciated the federation’s efforts.
TUWJF honours journalists for Urdu media contributions
Government Adviser Mohammed Ali Shabbir said Urdu had played an important role in higher education and highlighted its historical contribution. He recalled that several leaders gained academic qualifications through Urdu at Osmania University before Independence.
Shabbir urged citizens and journalists to submit written complaints to officials instead of only raising issues publicly. He said the government could act against officials who failed to respond to genuine grievances.
He also welcomed the extension of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise and appreciated the decision to issue permanent residence certificates to eligible ration card holders. Shabbir further advised families to avoid changing a bride’s name in the Nikahnama when it differs from official documents.
TUWJF President M.A. Majid said the federation worked to protect the interests of Urdu journalists and strengthen coordination between media professionals and the government. He added that an independent committee selected award recipients to maintain transparency.
The ceremony honoured journalists including Naveed Bilal, Hafiz M. Qayyum, Imtiaz Khan, Afzal Khan, Ejaz Ahmed Khan, Abdul Ahad Siddiqui and Ayesha Batool. The recipients received citations, shawls, mementoes and cash awards of ₹10,000 each.
Senior media personalities Aziz Ahmed, Umar Draz Khan, Dr Fazal Hussain Parvez, Amar Devulapalli and Maskeen Ahmed were also felicitated for their contributions to Urdu journalism.
Senior journalist Osman Rashid felicitated Mohammed Azharuddin and Mohammed Ali Shabbir during the programme. TUWJF Vice President Jilani said Urdu belonged to all communities and acknowledged contributions from non-Muslims in developing the language.
Senior journalist Amar Devulapalli recalled his admiration for Urdu poetry and Mirza Ghalib’s works. Veteran journalist Maskeen Ahmed urged the government to install Urdu signboards on government offices and state-run buses.
The programme was conducted by Sajida Begum (Sana). The event included Quran recitation by Mohammed Amjad Ali, Hamd and Naat presentation by Sheikh Rafiuddin Asif, and concluding prayers by Abdul Muqtadir Sharfi.
A large number of journalists, editors, writers and media professionals from Hyderabad and various districts attended the event. TUWJF said it would continue working for journalists’ welfare and the promotion of Urdu journalism.
