A Lone voice That Refuses to Fall Silent: Gawah and Fazil Husain Parvez Honoured for Bold Journalism

Publishing a journal has never been easy – more so when it is an Urdu weekly struggling against the tides of changing readership and rising costs. There was a time when the country boasted a vibrant ecosystem of Urdu magazines and journals, ranging from socio-religious publications to film weeklies and news-based periodicals that captivated readers across regions. Over the years, however, one after another, these publications have faded into oblivion. Escalating printing expenses, shrinking readership, and the rapid shift to digital media have together sounded the death knell for most of them.

Yet, amid this decline, one publication has stood its ground with remarkable resilience—Gawah, a Hyderabad-based Urdu weekly that continues to defy the odds. Now in its 27th year, Gawah has emerged as a rare surviving voice of Urdu journalism, steadfastly delivering in-depth analysis of national and international affairs. Week after week, without fail, it reaches its readers, offering clarity, perspective, and above all, courage. Moreover, it is available both in print and online form.

At the heart of this enduring effort is its editor, Syed Fazil Husain Parvez, a man who embodies the spirit of perseverance and fearless journalism. For over four decades – 46 years to be precise – Parvez has dedicated himself to the cause of Urdu media. His journey is a testament to the belief that unwavering commitment and integrity can keep even the most fragile institutions alive. Through Gawah, he has consistently held a mirror to society, unafraid to question, critique, and challenge. His brand of journalism is marked not just by depth of analysis but by an unflinching boldness that refuses to bow before pressure or compromise.

This relentless pursuit of truth recently earned him recognition at the Nai Duniya Media for Unity Awards programme organized by the Nai Duniya Foundation in New Delhi. Parvez was conferred the award named after Maulana Abdul Waheed Siddiqui, honoring his invaluable contribution to Urdu journalism. The award stands as a fitting tribute to a career defined by courage, consistency, and conviction.

Indeed, Parvez’s journey reflects the adage: when you work tirelessly through the night, you will have your day. For nearly a quarter century, Gawah has remained a platform of bold journalism under his stewardship, uncompromising in its principles and unwavering in its mission. In an era where sections of the media are often accused of succumbing to vested interests, Gawah continues to shine as an example of what independent journalism can and should be.

The awards function, held on April 18 at the India International Cultural Centre, brought together an impressive array of journalists, intellectuals, and public figures. The event was chaired by former Chief Election Commissioner S. Y. Quraishi, with Supreme Court Justice, Hrishikesh Roy, attending as the chief guest.

Among the distinguished participants were Member of Parliament Shashi Tharoor, senior journalist Rajdeep Sardesai, Rajya Sabha MP Rajeev Shukla, media personalities Barkha Dutt and Neerja Chowdhury, along with noted academic Akhtarul Wasey and several others. Their presence underscored the significance of the occasion and the respect commanded by the awardees.

Other recipients honored on the occasion included veteran journalist Zia-us-Salam, Vivek Shukla, filmmaker Sudhir Mishra, actor-writer Saurabh Shukla, scholar Purushottam Agrawal, journalist Sandeep Chaudhary, theatre personality Arvind Gaur, renowned cartoonist Manjul, social worker Rani Khanam, and foreign correspondent, Waiel Awwad.

In his welcome address, Shahid Siddiqui, chairman of the Nai Duniya Foundation, emphasized the importance of safeguarding the integrity of journalism. Speakers at the event echoed a common concern: as long as journalism remains honest, impartial, and committed to truth, neither the nation nor its Constitution is under threat. However, when the voice and pen of journalists become subservient to vested interests, the very foundations of freedom are endangered, they said.

The gathering also paid tribute to the Foundation’s efforts in recognizing excellence by instituting awards in the names of stalwarts from journalism, literature, and theatre. Such initiatives, speakers noted, inspired courage, reinforced ethical standards, and encouraged resistance against authoritarian tendencies.

As the programme concluded, what lingered was Parvez’s unwavering resolve to keep going despite the meager patronage for Urdu media.