Siasat Editor Zahid Ali Khan with the-Faiz e Aam team

Forty years is not a long period in the life of an organisation. Nonetheless, it is an occasion to take stock and do course corrections, if necessary. For Faiz-e-Aam Trust (FAT) it is time to rededicate itself and reaffirm its resolve to the cause of helping the helpless. It is also time to get nostalgic and feel proud for living up to people’s expectations.

On Monday when FAT celebrated its 40 years of service, it moved away from the beaten track of presenting a report of its activities. On the contrary, it lets its work and beneficiaries speak out. A documentary presented on the occasion said it all. Mohammed Yousuf, a polio-affected man, who was helped in his teens by Faiz, spoke from his plush home in the US to express gratitude for the help rendered when none came forward to support him. Well-settled in America, he is now doing his bit to pay back to society. Physically challenged persons, especially, have a messiah in the Equally Able Foundation set up by him. In a video message, Yousuf thanked Faiz and the Siasat Daily for the timely help rendered.

Syed Hasan, a lean boy in the audience and his burqa-clad sister, Saba Begum, were the cynosure of all eyes as they stood up to acknowledge the silent admiration of the audience at the Salar Jung Museum auditorium. The duo, children of a poor mother, have now become doctors thanks to the financial support extended by Faiz. Another shining example was Syeda Salva Fatima, the only Muslim commercial pilot from Hyderabad. She also benefitted hugely from the Siasat Daily and Faiz in her struggling period. There were numerous other boys and girls who made it big in life with support from FAT.

he auditorium was packed by scores of beneficiaries, their families, well-wishers and donors. They all applauded and gave a standing ovation to Iftekhar Husain, Secretary, FAT, Hyderabad. His niece, Farukh Parveen Jamal, who looks after the FAT operations in Aurangabad, was also present. The Siasat Editor, Zahid Ali Khan, Managing Editor, Zaheeruddin Ali Khan and News Editor, Amer Ali Khan, graced the occasion.

Iftekhar Husain of Faiz-e-Aam speaking to the media

Faiz-e-Aam is different from other organisations in that it doesn’t merely adopt a deserving child but tries to uplift the entire family as a unit. “Unless there is a right atmosphere in the house even a bright child will not go far,” said Husain and recounted several cases where taking care of the family needs helped studies of children. “We first need to change the mindset of people,” he said.

Stating that education is the key to the overall progress of the community, he said the future agenda of FAT includes spreading its activities across the country through regular funding.  Further, it is proposed to engage retired professionals and create a platform for them to share their experiences and to inspire enriched candidates to uplift their community. Holding more health awareness camps is another point on the agenda.

Audience at the Faiz-e-Aam programme

Dr. Samiullah Khan gave a brief account of FAT’s activities and said transparency and dedication were its key features. Before adopting a student, the organisation interviewed the entire family to assess its requirements. This helped in the overall development of the family unit. Short-term courses, like nursing, offered by FAT are proving effective in transforming lives. Girls who do not have the inclination to pursue studies are getting benefitted. In a few months after training, they are able to earn and support their families.

The best place for the community to offer its zakat and alms is FAT as the charity here is put to the right use. Surely, no one has ever become poor by giving.

J.S.Ifthekhar,

Hyderabad based journalist.

Article published in The Siasat Daily

Dated December 27,2022.

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MANUU Vice Chancellor Syed Ainul Hasan strongly opposed the suggestion for adoption of Devnagari script for Urdu. A script is the essence of a language. “If you give up your script you give up your language”, he said

When it is an Urdu programme there is bound to be a lavish display of language, literature and poetry. The bicentenary celebration of Urdu journalism held at the Maulana Azad National Urdu University (MANUU) here on Sunday, was no different. While the state of affairs of Urdu journalism was the subject of discussion, audience were, however, treated to a generous dose of Urdu couplets.

Khincho na kamanon ko, na talvar nikalo
Jab tope muqabil ho to akhbar nikalo
(Neither bow-arrow nor a sword you need
Publish a newspaper when faced with cannon)

But in the present times when one brings out a newspaper one need to have cannon as well. “These are anti-journalism times and the journalistic journey is dotted with many a pitfall”, remarked Shahid Lateef, Editor of Mumbai’s Inquilab Urdu daily.
Apart from the financial constraints faced by Urdu media, running a newspaper is not an easy task these days. Technology has provided a new platform in the shape of digital media which is less expensive and easier to operate even from a single room. But it should not be at the cost of quality, he said.
A large number of journalists from across the country are attending the three-day international conference on the “Urdu Media: Past, present and future”. The conference sponsored by MANUU’s Department of Mass Communication and Journalism aims to discuss the challenges and prospects facing Urdu media and the new avenues opened up by digital platform in the next two days.
Foreign journalist, Dr. Waiel S H Awwad was the chief guest.
Striking a positive note, eminent journalist and lyricist, Hasan Kamal, said while the past of Urdu media was very glorious, its present is a bit bleak but its future is very bright. Nearly 75 percent of the print media is finished today.  Digital media is the order of the day, and it holds out hope for not just Urdu but other languages too. Some persons are, however, bent upon sounding the death knell of Urdu. But the fact is the language is far from dead.  It is very much alive and kicking in Hindustani, which is a mixture of both Hindi and Urdu.

Hasan Kamal, who penned such hit songs like ‘Dil ke armaan aansuon mein bah gaye’, said Bollywood couldn’t survive without Urdu.
Senior journalist, Shakeel Hasaan Shamsi, advised students to take up journalism only if they have a passion for it since it is a challenging profession. Their motive should be to serve people not to just make money. He recited a couplet to drive home the problems facing the profession these days.

Na to dault hai na deenar wo dirham rakhte hain
Ham to itne mein hi kush hain ke qalam rakhte hain
Bus unhi longon ke haton mein qalm jachta hai
Apne seene mein jo insanon ka gham rakhte hain
Le ke jata hai qalam dar-o-rasan tak aksar
Wo qalam phenk dein jo hausla kam rakhte hain

Kamna Prasad, founder Jashne Bahar Trust, recalled how the first Urdu newspaper, Jam-e-Jahanuma, was published from Kolkata by Harihar Dutta, a Hindu. The founder of the first Hindi newspaper was also a Hindu. But today we are busy separating ‘sheer and shakar’, she remarked to point out the wedge being driven between the Hindu and Muslim communities. Continuing in the same vein, Prof. Ehtesham Ahmed Khan, Dean, SMCJ, said Urdu journalism was not related to any particular community.

Veteran journalist and former MP, Swapna Das Gupta, said the influence of Urdu is far greater than its formal recognition. He stressed the need for preserving the literary culture of Urdu and also the journalism linked with the language. The Urdu University, he said, is well placed to deal with these twin issues.
Prof. Sanjay Dwiwedi, director general, Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Dr. Abdul Qadeer of Shaheen Group of Schools, also spoke.
Prof Syed Ainul Hasan, MANUU Vice Chancellor, who presided, strongly opposed the suggestion for adoption of Devnagari script for Urdu and said a script is the essence of a language. “If you give up your script you give up your language”, he said.

J.S.Ifthekhar,

Hyderabad based journalist.

Article published in The Siasat Daily

Dated November 14,2022

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As the year long celebrations of Urdu journalism’s bicentenary draws to an end, Hyderabad’s oldest Urdu daily, Rahnuma-e-Deccan, gets a new makeover. Rahnuma-e-Deccan, which completed its centenary last year, has undergone extensive changes to meet the needs of readers. The new look of the newspaper will be unveiled at the Urdu Media Conclave 2022 scheduled at the Maulana Azad National Urdu University (MANUU) here on Sunday.
The Nizam era newspaper, which earlier went by the name Rahbar-e-Deccan, was founded by Yousufuddin and Ahmed Mohiuddin in 1921. The newspaper played a crucial role in inspiring, guiding and shaping the destiny of the Muslim community which felt demoralised after the merger of the Hyderabad State with the Indian Union. It served as a morale booster to the community and gave it a fresh hope and perspective.
Till his demise in December 2021, Syed Vicaruddin had been the face of Rahnuma-e-Deccan. He took over the editorship of the newspaper along with his brother, Syed Lateefuddin Qaudri, in 1967. Under their management Rahnuma-e-Deccan grew both in circulation and popularity. The newspaper espoused the cause of Telangana movement at the cost of inviting the wrath of the then Congress government. As a punitive measure, the government withdrew advertisements to the newspaper for a long time. Vicaruddin dedicated his life for the newspaper and endeavoured to bridge the gap between India and the Arab World as chairman of the Indo Arab League.
In its new avatar, Rahnuma-e-Deccan sports a sleek look. There is a change in its masthead, logo and the layout. “It is now as per international norms”, says Ahmed Ameer Khan, who is now looking after Rahnuma-e-Deccan. He plans to bring in more changes in tune with the digital era. A strong social media presence is also in the offing. “We hope the newspaper will last for another hundred years”, says Khan.

J.S.Ifthekhar,

Hyderabad based journalist.

Article published in Telangana Today

Dated November 12,2022

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Some shed silent tears; some broke down while a few wept openly. There were also signs of relief on their faces. Their ordeal had at last come to an end and they were happy about it. They are all victims of Avini, the tigress which struck terror in several villages of Yawatmal district in Maharashtra four years ago.

On Wednesday the next of kin of those killed by the man-eater and also those affected by it gathered at the Borati village in Ralegaon taluka to observe the fourth death anniversary of Avini. It was the same village where the tigress made her first kill. And incidentally it was the same place where she was shot dead by Asgar Ali, son of Hyderabad’s sharp shooter, Nawab Shafath Ali Khan, on November 2, 2018. Later the father-son duo became the target of a bitter trial and witch-hunting with activists dubbing them ‘trigger happy’ and dragging them to the court – although the operation was carried out on the orders of the Maharashtra government.

About 10,000 people turned up at the programme organised by the locals. Family members of the 13 persons mauled to death by the tigress were there. So were a good number of others who were affected by the terror created by the wild animal in 26 villages. As many as 76 Sarpanches from different villages like Borati, Swarkheda, Loni and Vedashi took part in the programme. The father-son duo, the chief guests, were given a rousing welcome and profusely garlanded by the villagers.

There was a carnival-like ambience in the tiny village. From 2016 to 2018 most of the surrounding hamlets experienced a virtual lockdown with Avni having a free run. All agricultural activities came to a grinding halt as none could dare to come out. People were afraid to even answer the call of nature for fear of the prowling tigress. So this event was an important occasion for the people after the pain and anguish they went through. Programme organisers, Arvind Futane and Ankush Muneshwar, distributed clothes to the affected families and also arranged lunch for all. Fourteen candles were lit as a mark of respect to the deceased.

Hyderabad sharpshooters being felicitated by the villagers.

Most of the affected persons turned emotional and couldn’t speak when given the mike. All they could mumble was a big ‘thank’ to Nawab Shafath Ali Khan and his son, Asgar Ali, for putting the tigress to sleep. “Otherwise we would be still living under fear’, said a villager whose wife, Mangala, was killed by Avni. The husband of Archana, who was killed by the elephant, Gajraj  brought to capture the tigress, also expressed his gratitude to the Hyderabad shikaris for ending Avini’s reign of terror.

Nawab Shafath Ali Khan unveiled the plaque containing names of the victims.

Nawab Shafath Ali Khan unveiled the plaque containing names of the victims. He urged the government to provide compensation of Rs. 1 crore to the next of kin of those killed and job to a family member. He asked the government to use the funds at the disposal of Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA) for erecting chain link fencing of core forest areas so that wild animals like tigers and leopards don’t spill over to human landscape. “Nearly 40 percent of tigers in India are outside the protected area”, he said.

In fact, the tiger is only the tip of the iceberg.  Wild boars and blue bulls (Nilgai) are a greater threat to agriculture farms. In Gujarat, Rajasthan, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra blue bulls are a bigger menace while in Telangana it is the wild boar which is giving sleepless nights to farmers. He wants wild boars to be translocated to fenced tiger reserves so that predators have enough prey to live off. “This is the only solution to the growing man- animal conflict”, says the sharpshooter.

J.S.Ifthekhar,

Hyderabad based journalist.

Article published in The Siasat Daily

Dated November 4,2022

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 No first day blues .. First day at school is a bit scary. Most children cry and creep reluctantly towards the school, unwilling to let go their doting parents. Some have to be dragged and some literally pushed into the outstretched hands of school ayahs and teachers.

It was a different scenario altogether with Khadija's first day at Success The School. No sobbing, no clutching to mother or father and no heel digging. She was all smiles and stepped happily into the 

school premises. As she climbed up to the first floor she threw a smile and waved her hand at us. In fact she was looking forward to this big day for many days. She was disappointed when opening of her UKG class was postponed twice from June 13 to 27. The previous night she went shopping for her school tiffin box, water bottle and shoes. Uniform will be supplied by school but it is not ready yet, we are told. Last one week has been a flurry of activity with Khadija getting ready with her school bag and books. She was ecstatic seeing her books getting covers and name stickers. Khadija was not a bundle of nerves as most kids are on the first day. On the contrary she was counting the days for her school reopening rather opening in her case.

A pleasant surprise for all of us. To share her excitement, I along with Arshad, were at the school at 8.06 a.m. I liked the school at the first sight. It is a 5-storeyed brand new building with well decorated reception and class rooms. Khadija came with Nikhat and Darwesh at the right time, 8.30 a.m. Her grandmother also joined later. We decided to be there as the first day is more important than the Graduation Day. The timings are 8.30 am to 11 am for the first two days. Time to rise Time for school Open your eyes Khadija was woken up around 7 am in the morning today. Her dress had been pressed and bag packed last night itself. In fact for the last one week it has been early to bed and early to rise - to get her adjusted to the new life cycle.

After initial refusal parents were later allowed to see the classrooms. We found Khadija sharing the bench with two other kids. She was cool and composed. But seeing other children crying, she also started sobbing. Nikhat and Darwesh rushed to her side and comforted her. Then she took out her notebook and started writing. Myself and Arshad left after a while but Nikhat stayed till 11 a.m when Khadija's class was let off. Khadija regained her composure after sometime. She even recited the 'Johnny Johnny' rhyme. Overall she is happy with her first day at school. The countdown has just begun for the start of something new in life. Education, as Yeats said, is not filling of a pail but lighting of a fire. So have an exciting time ahead. Believe in yourself my princess. Have a blast. Never stop learning.

J.S.Ifthekhar,

Hyderabad based journalist.

Dated June 27,2022

 

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 What’s funny about doctors? If you do a double take at this question, it’s understandable. Doctors are a dour bore lot. There is nothing funny about them, although they routinely prescribe laughter as the best medicine. But one thing is for sure. There is no dearth of amusing jokes about them. Sample this: A worried patient tells the doctor about his legs breaking in two places. And pat comes the reply – quit going to those places.

But why that grim expression on the face? The reason perhaps could be that they are busy taking care of someone else’s life. Whatever – one don’t have to be serious all the time. A bit of humour thrown into the doctor-patient communication can have a positive impact. It will relieve stress while establishing trust. For that a doctor doesn’t have to put a red clown nose. Infusing humour in treatment will do a world of good and may sometimes change the clinical outcome as well.

There are quite a few doctors who employ humour as a strategy as they think it has a big part in patient recovery. But there are very few of them who are humour writers as well. Dr. Abid Moiz, who wields the stethoscope and also pen with equal felicity, has come up with a book in Urdu which tells about doctors who have made a mark in humour and satire writing.

The book titled – Hansi, Tanzo Mizah Aur Doctor – is a real eye-opener. It tells how humour results in laughter and laughter leads to happiness and together they provide immense benefits. Moiz, who has written ten mizahiya (humorous ) books, draws a fine line between tanz (satire) and mizah (humour). “While one tickles, the other prickles”, he says.

But in Urdu literature both are used simultaneously. Writers ensure that mizah takes the sting out of tanz. But the present stressed-filled life has robbed people of their sense of humour also. Social media posts show how people simply mention LOL (laugh out loud) at the end of a joke or funny write-up instead of having a hearty laughter.

While half of the book consists of humorous articles written by Moiz, the other half has the writings of doctors from across the sub-continent. There are funny write-ups of 16 doctors of different disciplines. Some of them are: Taher Quraishi, Iqbal Hashmani, Syed Abdul Mannan, Shafiqur Rahman, Mirza Kaleemullah Baig, Afsar Armoori, Rashid Fareedi, Mohsin Maghyana, Abid Ali, Mohd Younus Bhut, Mansoor Ahmed Bawaja, Yousuf Samra, Mohd Khalid Abdul Samee, Nazr Imam and Mohd Mohsin.

Most of the doctor-writers have narrated the experiences they have had during the course of their practice, dealing with patients of different age groups and temperament while some have tried their hand at totally different subjects. Some doctors take recourse to humour while discussing medical conditions, treatment and tests. They try to see everything from a humorous point of view, even the way the patients relate their ailments. Dr. Abdul Manan’s article ‘Naaz Uthane Ko Hum Rahgaye Mareezon Ke’ makes for a good read. So is the article of Younus Bhat – Buzrug Paalna. They incorporate humour into their personal anecdotes and infuse comedy in every line.

Dr. Moiz deserves congratulations for bringing out the hidden talent of doctors. Otherwise one tends to believe that the health care providers are good at writing mere prescriptions which none can read.

J.S.Ifthekhar,

Hyderabad based journalist.

Article published in Telangana Today

Dated July 01,2022

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 Though he was 84 years old, age sat lightly on him as far as his passion for writing goes. A voracious reader, he authored more than 25 books on various aspects of Mughal administration, Qutb Shahi and Asif Jahi dynasties.

The man who wrote history all his life became part of history himself. A chronicler par excellence and the last word on Deccan history particularly, Dr. M.A Nayeem's death brings the curtain down on the finest of historians who are methodical in narrative and meticulous in research. As a historian, he was a breed apart. Whatever he wrote, he backed it with archival records, maps, and archaeological and architectural data. He undertook long journeys all over the Deccan to collect minute details. No wonder his books fill not just the lacuna in history but recaptures the sublime spirit of life and times bygone.

Though he was 84 years old, age sat lightly on him as far as his passion for writing goes. A voracious reader, he authored more than 25 books on various aspects of Mughal administration, Qutb Shahi and Asif Jahi dynasties. He single-handedly managed the whole thing – writing, proofreading, taking pictures, and publishing the books. Nayeem was a ready-reckoner of sorts. And he came in handy for press men to check historical details and dates.

Unfortunately, Nayeem was a loner most of his life. With his doctor wife, Fouzia Nayeem, having predeceased him some two decades ago, he lived all by himself in his well-furnished house in AC Guards. His three sons are all abroad and come home once a year for their mother's death anniversary. A stickler for discipline, Nayeem was regular in his prayers and indulged in minimalist foods that are simple but wholesome. But he had an insatiable appetite for books.

Having done his postgraduation in History from Aligarh Muslim University and Ph.D and D. Litt in History from the University of Poona, Nayeem worked as a research officer at the Andhra Pradesh State Archives. While in service, he compiled and edited two volumes of Mughal documents and catalogue of Aurangzeb's reign. They contain English translations of nearly 6,000 Persian documents. He was a member of the editorial board of Islamic Culture and co-editor of Modern Deccan History sponsored by the government of Andhra Pradesh. He also edited Itihas, the Archives' journal, including the special issue on temples of Andhra Pradesh.

In his illustrious career spanning three decades, Nayeem published six books on Arabian history while working at the department of archaeology and museology, College of Arts, King Saud University, Riyadh. His book, Hyderabad Philatelic History, won gold medals at Delhi, Tokyo, Paris, Norway, London, and Melbourne. The book on The Heritage of the Bahmanis and the Baridis of the Deccan published in 2012 marked the completion of the heritage series – The Splendour of Hyderabad, The Heritage of Qutb Shahis of Golconda and Hyderabad, The Heritage of the Adil Shahis of Bijapur, and The Royal Palaces of the Nizam. He also published Miniature Paintings of Nizam Ali Khan Asaf Jah II. One can glean the life and times of contemporary Deccan from these paintings. In the book Safavid Iran and the Deccan Sultanates, he brought out the diplomatic and cultural relations between them.

For connoisseurs of history, these volumes are a treasure trove of information. They cover 600 years of the medieval Deccan and give a peep into the socio, economic, cultural, art, architecture, religion, numismatics, and foreign relations with west Asia. In recognition of his contributions, a book on Nayeem was brought out by friends and admirers to mark his 77th year. Those who knew Nayeem expected him to come up with yet another book. But he surprised everyone with his untimely death. Well, one can't live on forever but one can leave behind something that will. Nayeem has done just that with his innumerable books. 

J.S.Ifthekhar,

Hyderabad based journalist.

Article published in NewsMeter

Dated June 14,2022

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