By: Bilal Bashir Bhat, Editor, Daily Srinagar Jang
Last year, in 2022, Urdu journalism celebrated its 200th anniversary. Considering the present scenario where Urdu is associated with a particular religion, it may surprise the readers that the foundation stone of Urdu journalism was laid by two Hindus, Harihar Dutta and Sadasukh Lal, who published India’s first Urdu newspaper, Jam e Jahan Numa Kolkata, in March 1822.
Besides, the sacrifices made by Urdu journalists during the prolonged freedom struggle of India, Urdu journalism’s rich history of intellectualism, social reform, and progressive thought has perhaps left no parallel.
Urdu journalism, once the shining beacon of intellectualism and social reform, has sadly lost much of its sheen. This decline is not a result of a lack of talent or potential but rather a complex interplay of factors that have gradually dimmed the vibrancy of this vital medium. Urdu journalism’s fading glory serves as a stark reminder of the challenges it faces and the need for revitalization.
Last month, aimed at to revive the sheen of Urdu Journalism, the exchange4media, voluntarily, brought out the maiden edition of Urdu Journalism 40 under 40 to recognize professionals in the domain on the national level. The function held at India International Centre New Delhi was themed to celebrate Urdu Journalism under the name and style Jashn-e-Sahafat- an event dedicated to honoring the outstanding contributions and innovations in Urdu journalism while fostering conversations on its past, present, and future.
I feel immensely honored and humbled to have been a part of it. The award ceremony was not only a recognition of individual achievements but also a celebration of the forgotten values of Urdu Journalism with prominent faces of the country as speakers on the occasion including former Chief Election Commissioner SY. Quraishi, Dr. Annurag Batra, Chairman Exchange4Media, Dr (Prof) Sheikh Aquil Ahmad, Director NCPUL, Ambreen Khan, Media Marketing Expert, Bushra Khanum, Prof. Farhat Basir Khan, Dr Harish Bhalla Culture Czar & Social Crusader, Dr Khalid Raza Khan, Khurshid Rabbany, Moien Shadab, Prof. (Dr.) Pramod Kumar, HOD, Department of Urdu Journalism, Indian Institute of Mass Communication, New Delhi, Suman Verma, CMO, Hamdard, Zafar Sareshwala, Former Chancellor Maulana Azad National Urdu University and others.
The crux of the speeches was that Urdu Journalism requires a multi-faceted approach, including embracing digital media, attracting younger readers, fostering innovation, safeguarding editorial independence, and transcending divisive identity politics. Only by addressing these challenges can Urdu journalism once again become a vibrant and influential force for change and progress in society.
Dr. Annurag Batra, Chairman of Exchange4Media while addressing the gathering in clear terms said he was not used to the Urdu language, but in a single liner “Today is World Heart Day and Urdu is the language of hearts” Batra expressed his deep love and unflinching support towards the Urdu.
Batra thanked Ruhail Amin (Sr Editor Exchange4Media) – the brainchild behind the program for being very passionate about conducting the program. We were told that organizers did not even care about the sponsorships, which is the main objective of conducting such programs. All his tells their desire and what I said on the stage “This event was a favor to Urdu Journalism.”
Pertinently to fulfill the modern demands of Urdu Journalism, for the first time in July 2022, I introduced QR Coding in Urdu printing Media, through my newspaper Daily Srinagar Jang. This innovative QR Coding lets readers watch videos, and elaborate stories through print editions. Besides, regularly, the said paper publishes off-the-beat full-page features on different subjects with unique designs to draw the attention of the netizens, particularly the youth.
Undoubtedly, the Jashn-e-Sahafat by Exchange4Media was not only an inspirational and moving event but also a reminder of the good that can be accomplished by taking the first steps rather than playing the card of victimization. It has motivated the participants, especially the winners of prestigious awards across the country to further work with more dedication and vibrancy for which exchange4Media deserves big thanks!
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