Hyderabad: Telangana Minorities Welfare Minister Mohammed Azharuddin assured Urdu journalists that resolving their issues and strengthening Urdu journalism would remain priorities for the state government.
Addressing the 10th anniversary celebrations and annual awards ceremony of the Telangana Urdu Working Journalists’ Federation (TUWJF) at the Telangana Media Academy auditorium in Nampally, the Minister said the government would discuss issues related to the promotion of Urdu with the Chief Minister and the concerned departments.
Government Adviser Mohammed Ali Shabbir, TMREIS Vice Chairman and President Mohammed Faheemuddin Qureshi, Telangana Urdu Academy Assistant Director V. Krishna and several journalists attended the programme.
Azharuddin described journalism as a noble profession. Moreover, he said journalists occupy a respected place in society. He added that constructive criticism helps governments improve governance and public service.
The Minister appreciated TUWJF President M.A. Majid and General Secretary Syed Ghouse Mohiuddin for consistently raising journalists’ concerns before the government. He also congratulated the federation on completing 10 years and wished all award recipients.
Urdu journalists honoured at TUWJF awards
Meanwhile, Azharuddin assured that the government would take steps to install Urdu signboards at government offices wherever they were absent.
Earlier, TUWJF President M.A. Majid said the federation was established to protect the interests of Urdu journalists. He said it also represented their concerns before the government and promoted unity among the Urdu-speaking community.
Further, Majid said an independent committee selected the award recipients to ensure transparency and fairness. He also thanked the Telangana Media Academy for publishing monographs on journalist Abid Ali Khan and senior journalist Naseem Arifi. He described the initiative as an important contribution to preserving the legacy of Urdu journalism.
The federation honoured Naveed Bilal, Hafiz M. Qayyum, Imtiaz Khan, Afzal Khan, Ejaz Ahmed Khan, Abdul Ahad Siddiqui and Ayesha Batool with citations, shawls, mementoes and cash awards of ₹10,000 each.
In addition, senior media personalities Aziz Ahmed, Umar Draz Khan, Dr Fazal Hussain Parvez, Amar Devulapalli and Miskeen Ahmed received felicitations 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 all communities and acknowledged the contribution of non-Muslims to the language’s growth.
Amar Devulapalli recalled his admiration for Urdu and the poetry of Mirza Ghalib. Finally, veteran journalist Miskeen Ahmed urged the government to introduce Urdu signboards on all state-run buses in addition to government offices. Organisers said TUWJF would continue working for the welfare of Urdu journalists while promoting the language and strengthening coordination between the media fraternity and the government.