K N Wasif, veteran NRI journalist and photojournalis
By Syed Zia ur Rahman, YaHind.Com
Hyderabad: The Telangana Urdu Working Journalists Federation (TUWJF) organized a distinguished award ceremony on Saturday in Hyderabad, honoring Urdu journalists for their outstanding contributions in 2023 and 2024. The event highlighted the enduring significance of Urdu media in Telangana, recognizing journalists and photojournalists for their dedication to informing and empowering communities.
Award Recipients
The Faiz Mohammed Asghar Award was presented to Iftekhar Ali Wajid (Etemaad Daily) and Yasirullah Shakeel (4TV) for their insightful reporting. The Tabassum Fareedi Award honored Shahid Ahmed Tawakkal (Adilabad) and Waheed Gulshan (Warangal) for their impactful regional journalism. The Habib Ali Al-Jilani Award was conferred upon Naeem Wajahat (Siasat Daily) and Mohammed Asad (Karimnagar) for their consistent excellence. The MA Rahim Press Photographer Award was awarded to Mohammed Aleemuddin (Press Photo Service) for his compelling photojournalism.
K N Wasif’s Global Contributions
A highlight of the ceremony was the Special Overseas Journalist Award bestowed upon K N Wasif, a veteran non-resident Indian (NRI) journalist and photojournalist based in the Middle East. With over three decades of experience, Wasif has significantly enriched Urdu journalism through his work with leading Gulf-based newspapers, magazines, and digital platforms. His reporting focuses on the Indian diaspora, particularly from Telangana, addressing issues such as migrant workers’ rights, cultural preservation, and community welfare. Wasif’s incisive columns, exclusive interviews with global policymakers, and documentaries have established him as a prominent voice in international Urdu media.
Wasif’s most notable contribution is his coffee table book, India’s Architectural Heritage, a 138-page visual masterpiece documenting over 150 medieval Indian monuments, forts, and palaces, including the Taj Mahal, Red Fort, Charminar, and Gol Gumbaz. Released in 2022 at the Indian Embassy in Riyadh as part of the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav celebrations, the book was praised by then-Indian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Dr. Ausaf Saeed, for its potential to promote Indian tourism in the Gulf. Designed by Ayaz Siddique, the book reflects Wasif’s four-decade-long passion, inspired by former Ambassador Hamid Ansari during India’s Golden Jubilee. His annual trips to India and association with Riyadh-based architectural magazine Albenaa enabled him to capture the exquisite beauty of Indian architecture. The book was also released in India in 2023 in Vijayawada and Hyderabad, with Telangana Home Minister Mahmood Ali gracing the Hyderabad event, where he commended Wasif for showcasing Telangana’s architectural gems like the Charminar. A. Md. Imtiaz, Director of Andhra Pradesh State Minorities Welfare, lauded its role in preserving India’s cultural heritage at the Vijayawada event. Wasif has also organized photo exhibitions across Saudi Arabia, promoting India’s architectural legacy.
Lifetime Achievement Tribute
The Lifetime Achievement Award was posthumously conferred on Habeeb Ali Al Jeelani for his decades-long dedication to Urdu journalism. The award was presented by INN Chairman Sameer Waliullah, who highlighted Jeelani’s enduring legacy.
Dignitaries Celebrate Urdu Media
Chief guest Asaduddin Owaisi, Member of Parliament, commended TUWJF for fostering Urdu journalism and emphasized its role in cultural preservation. Each award, named after iconic Urdu journalists, included a citation and a ₹10,000 cash prize. Notable attendees included Government of Telangana Advisor Mohammed Ali Shabbir, Gawah Editor Syed Fazil Hussain Parvez, TUWJF President M.A. Majid, General Secretary Ghouse Mohiuddin, Joint Secretary Mir Virahat Ali, Telangana State Media Academy Chairman K. Sreenivas Reddy, former Indian Journalists Union member Devulapally Amar, and former Minorities Commission Chairman Mohd Qamaruddin.
The TUWJF ceremony celebrated the resilience of Urdu journalism, honoring its contributors and inspiring future generations to uphold its legacy.
- YaHind News
