By: Syed Zia ur Rahman, YaHind.Com
Hyderabad: Telangana Minorities Welfare Minister Mohammed Azharuddin on Saturday said resolving journalists’ issues and promoting Urdu journalism remain priorities for the state government. He was speaking at the 10th Year Celebrations and Annual Awards Ceremony of the Telangana Urdu Working Journalists Federation (TUWJF) held at the Telangana Media Academy auditorium in Nampally, Hyderabad.
Azharuddin described journalism as a noble profession and said constructive criticism helps governments improve public services. He praised TUWJF President M.A. Majid and General Secretary Syed Ghouse Mohiuddin for consistently raising journalists’ concerns before the government. The minister assured that shortcomings related to the promotion of Urdu, including missing Urdu signboards at government offices, would be addressed through discussions with the Chief Minister and the concerned departments.
Government Adviser Mohammed Ali Shabbir also addressed the gathering. He highlighted Urdu’s historic contribution to higher education, recalling that several leaders, including former Chief Minister M. Chenna Reddy, had earned academic qualifications through Urdu at Osmania University before Independence. Shabbir urged citizens and journalists to submit written representations to officials instead of limiting grievances to public statements, noting that the government could take action against those who fail to respond to genuine complaints. He welcomed the extension of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise and the decision to issue permanent residence certificates to eligible ration card holders. He further advised families not to change a bride’s name in the Nikahnama if it differs from her Aadhaar or educational certificates.
TUWJF President M.A. Majid said the federation works to protect the interests of Urdu journalists and strengthen coordination between media professionals and the government. He clarified that award recipients were selected by an independent committee to ensure transparency.
The ceremony honoured journalists Naveed Bilal, Hafiz M. Qayyum, Imtiaz Khan, Afzal Khan, Ejaz Ahmed Khan, Abdul Ahad Siddiqui and Ayesha Batool. They received citations, shawls, mementoes and cash awards of ₹10,000 each. Senior media personalities Aziz Ahmed, Umar Draz Khan, Dr Fazil Hussain Parvez, Amar Devulapalli and Maskeen Ahmed were also felicitated for their contributions to Urdu journalism.
Senior journalist Osman Rashid felicitated Azharuddin and Shabbir. TUWJF Vice President Jilani said Urdu belongs to all communities and acknowledged the contribution of non-Muslims to the language. Senior journalist Amar Devulapalli spoke of his admiration for Urdu poetry, particularly the works of Mirza Ghalib. Veteran journalist Maskeen Ahmed urged the government to install Urdu signboards on government offices as well as state-run buses.
MD Faheem Qureshi, Vice Chairman and President of the Telangana Minorities Residential Educational Institutions Society (TMREIS), attended as a Guest of Honour and appreciated the role of Urdu journalists in bridging grassroots issues with governance.
The programme was conducted by Sajida Begum (Sana). It featured Quranic recitation by Mohammed Amjad Ali, Hamd and Naat 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 organisers said the federation would continue working for the welfare of Urdu journalists and the promotion of Urdu journalism.
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