Hyderabad – Telangana Home Minister Mohammed Mahmood Ali strongly criticized attempts to distort the Indian history to downplay the role of Muslims in India. He said that this impression is being created that the Mughals looted the country, but the real fact is that the Britishers looted the country while the Mughals enriched the country by their contributions and created history. Expressing regret, the Home Minister said that unfortunately those who built the Taj Mahal as a symbol of love are also being targeted.
He was addressing the august gathering after releasing “India’s Architectural Heritage”, a coffee table book by well-known architectural photographer and ace journalist KN Wasif, at a function held at Media Plus Auditorium in Hyderabad. Mahmood Ali further said that KN Wasif’s book has come out at the correct time as it will preserve the real history.Senior journalist Mir Ayub Ali Khan appreciated Wasif’s efforts to bring out the coffee table book containing historical monuments. He said that it should be kept in schools and libraries for the benefit of the new generation. He said that the Embassy of India in Riyadh and the Indian Consulate in Jeddah had rightly encouraged and supported KN Wasif in his project.
Senior journalist JS Iftikhar who recently retired from English daily “The Hindu” introduced KN Wasif and shed light on his efforts and services in detail. Wasif’s long-time friend Iftikhar added that this coffee table book has more than 150 eye-catching photographs of medieval historical monuments, forts and palaces. The 140 pages are designed by renowned artist Ayaz Siddique. The book is the culmination of three decades of dedication and hard work by KN Wasif.
In his speech KN Wasif said that this book is the essence of his love for photography and his life. He shed light on the 25-year journey from the golden jubilee of India’s independence to Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav.KN Wasif has worked for many prominent newspapers in Hyderabad, including Siasat, Deccan Chronicle and Indian Express. Apart from being a columnist, he is also a good khaka nigaar (Sketch writer).
The event was presided over by Mr. Muzaffar Hussain Ansari, former Portfolio Investment Manager, King Faisal Foundation, Saudi Arabia. In his presidential speech, Ansari praised the book and appreciated the efforts of Wasif. He also mentioned his long relationship with KN Wasif. He said that the book should be kept at the book stalls of airports in India to guide tourists. Muzaffar Ansari also said that KN Wasif should be awarded a major national award by the Government of India.
The guest of honor, Engineer MA Naeem, Managing Director, Masa Specialized Construction Company, Riyadh, called KN Wasif’s book a great gift to the nation. While appreciating the efforts of Wasif, he referred him as a proud person for the Indian community in Saudi Arabia who is known as a respected figure in the Indian community.
Mr. Shahab Afsar Khan, Director, Winchester International English School, Aurangabad mentioned his long acquaintance with KN Wasif and praised his mastery of photography.
Engineer Abdul Hameed, former project director of Al-Riyadh Development Authority and former president of Bazme Urdu Toastmasters Club welcomed the audience and praised the efforts and contributions of NRIs from Saudi Arabia. He urged the state and central government to consider the issues of NRIs seriously and honor the services of NRIs for the country.DTM Syed Zia ur Rehman conducted the proceedings as master of ceremony. Journalist Ghouse Arslan delivered a vote of thanks. Large number of NRIs residing in the Gulf countries participated in this event organized by Bazme Urdu Toastmasters Club.