Urdu Journalism Still Has Conscience and Courage: Dr. Ausaf Sayeed

Former MEA Secretary says Urdu media kept sensationalism to a minimum

Hyderabad, May 16: Former Secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs, Dr. Ausaf Sayeed on Friday said that Urdu journalism continues to uphold the values of responsible reporting, courage and social conscience at a time when sensationalism and fake news are increasingly dominating the media landscape.

Speaking as the Chief Guest at the second edition of the Naseem Arifi Urdu Media Awards 2025, organised by CETI Foundation in collaboration with Media Academy of Telangana, Dr. Sayeed paid glowing tributes to veteran journalist Naseem Arifi and praised the contribution of Urdu journalists in preserving ethical journalism.

“Urdu journalism still has conscience, courage and a sense of responsibility. It has largely succeeded in keeping sensationalism to a minimum,” he remarked, adding that the awards were in many ways an attempt to “repay the debt society owes to journalists.”

Describing journalism as a “syncretic language,” he said Urdu media historically brought together people from different religions, regions and social backgrounds. He stressed that the composite culture associated with Urdu journalism must be preserved and strengthened.

Dr. Sayeed also underlined the need to modernise Urdu through technology and digital tools. “The rich heritage of Urdu can survive and thrive better only if we embrace modern technologies and make the language relevant to younger generations,” he said.

Paying tribute to senior journalist Masoom Muradabadi, who received the Lifetime Achievement Award, Dr. Sayeed appreciated his fearless field reporting and recalled his coverage of major national events, including the Babri Masjid demolition. He also expressed concern over what he described as the neglect of serious Urdu literary and journalistic programmes in comparison to entertainment-based cultural events. He urged institutions and society to accord greater respect and visibility to Urdu journalism and intellectual discourse.

The awards were decided by a 13-member jury comprising journalists, bureaucrats and social activists and led by Dr Ausaf Sayeed.

Five journalists were honoured this year including senior journalist Fazal Baig, noted photo journalist Mohammad Aleemuddin, Delhi-based journalists Dr. Yameen Ansari and Rohinee Singh, while veteran journalist Masoom Muradabadi was conferred with the Lifetime Achievement Award for his outstanding contribution to Urdu journalism.

A monograph on Naseem Arifi and another publication on late Siasat founder-Editor Padma Shri Mr Abid Ali Khan published by Telangana Media Academy were also released during the programme.

Among the awardees were Rohinee Singh and Dr. Yameen Ansari, who spoke about the increasing responsibility of journalists in combating fake news and disinformation. Rohinee Singh stressed the need for better digital access and language resources for Urdu. In his remarks, Masoom Muradabadi said that success in journalism comes only through years of sacrifice and hard work.

“The struggles and sacrifices of Urdu journalists are spread across every nook and corner of society,” he observed.

Director CETI Foundation Mr Basharath Ali also spoke.

The event was presided over by Telangana Media Academy Chairman K. Srinivas Reddy and attended by young and veteran journalists including former MLC Mr Amin Jafri, Gawah Editor Syed Fazil Hussain Parvez, News Editor Etemaad Mr Aziz Ahmed, Editor of Rahnuma-e-Deccan Mr Omer Daraaz Khan, News Editor 4TV Mr M. A. Majid, Dean & HoD Journalism MANUU Prof Ehtesham Khan, J.S. Ifthekhar, Mr Mohammed Sayeeduddin, intellectuals, writers and media personalities from across the country.

Highlighting the growing threat posed by misinformation and fake news, Mr Amirullah Khan, Research Director CDPP, who also compered the event, referred to recent discussions at the World Economic Forum, where global leaders and media experts identified fake news as one of the biggest challenges likely to confront the world over the next decade.