(RAHNUMA/GAWAH) Hyderabad, August 20 – Dr. Ausaf Saeed, IFS, former Secretary of the Ministry of External Affairs, described the national and communal contributions of Urdu journalism, both before and after independence, as unforgettable. He said that Urdu journalism not only played a vital role before independence in instilling the spirit of struggle for freedom among Indians, but also after independence, it contributed significantly in awakening awareness of true freedom, democracy, constitutional and human rights, communal harmony, establishing a bridge between the people and those in power, and in resolving issues.
Dr. Ausaf Saeed was addressing a felicitation ceremony on the evening of August 19 at Media Plus Auditorium in honor of Mr. Mir Ayub Ali Khan, Head of Siasat.com, and Mr. Aziz Ahmed, Joint Editor of Ittehad, organized by Media Plus Foundation and Gawah Urdu Weekly, to recognize the fifty years of service by these two journalists.
Mr. Amirullah Khan, Director PDP, participated as the chief guest. The event was attended not only by NRIs and journalists but also by notable personalities from different walks of life, including Dr. Abid Moiz, Nawab Syed Ahmed Khan, Head of Rahnuma-e-Deccan Family, Qeladar Nawab Omer Daraz Khan, Editor In Chief, Publisher, The Rahnuma-e-Deccan Daily, Muhammad Qaiser of Hum Hindustani Organization, Khalid Basir, and Iftikhar Hussain KN Wasif.
Dr. Ausaf Saeed paid glowing tribute to the services of Mr. Ayub Ali Khan and Mr. Aziz Ahmed, who always raised the voice of truth and integrity, while upholding the high values of journalism. He also shared a glimpse of his long diplomatic journey, from being appointed Passport Officer in Hyderabad to serving as Secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs, noting that he had interacted with different kinds of journalists both in India and abroad, and his experiences with them were always pleasant. He emphasized the need for journalism to play its role in creating educational awareness.
Mr. Amirullah Khan also expressed regret over the community’s educational backwardness.
Mr. Aziz Ahmed and Mr. Ayub Ali Khan, while recalling the many ups and downs of their fifty-year-long journalistic journey, thanked Almighty Allah for granting them the opportunity to live with dignity, respect, and recognition in society. Mr. Ayub Ali Khan urged the younger generation to associate themselves with journalism so that they may serve the nation and community. Mr. Aziz Ahmed paid tribute to Mr. Ijaz Qureshi, from whom he had learned much in the field of journalism, and said he had the privilege of working alongside Hyderabad’s leading journalists.
Mr. Abid Moiz and Mr. Khwaja Nasiruddin also addressed the gathering. Afreen Khundmiri (currently residing in the United States), daughter of the late Syed Mahmood Talib Khundmiri, recited her father’s poem Time Capsule.
Dr. Fazil Hussain Parvez, in his welcome speech, said that Media Plus Foundation has initiated a tradition of honoring distinguished personalities for their valuable contributions in various fields during their lifetime.
The program was conducted by Syed Khalid Shahbaz, with arrangements overseen by Syed Amir Hanif, and a vote of thanks delivered by Mujahid Mohiuddin.
