The poignant poem on destruction in Turkiye after the devastating earthquake has left many an eye moist. Poet Muzaffa Ali Shamiri describes the impact of death and destruction in a most poetic and touching way.

Who is not touched by the recent Turkish Earthquake ? Everyone is shocked and distressed by the calamity which left a trail of death and destruction. But tragedies like these churn emotions in a different way among poets. Their anguish and pain take the shape of words which remain etched in mind forever.

A poem by former Vice Chancellor, Prof. Muzaffar Ali Shahmiri, on the Turkish tragedy is a case in point. Titled ‘Zalzalon Ke Baad’, this Azad Nazm (free verse) poem has taken the social media by storm. Written in the heat and sorrow of the moment, it portrays the grief, suffering and devastation of the people in the most telling way possible. What is notable about this imagist poem is that it dwells on the dilemma faced by the survivors with the earthquake splitting their life apart – rendering everything – aadha-aadha (half-half). Sample the stirring poem:

Jab qayamat thum gaiee

Hum ne dekha … apna saman-e-hayat

Aadha aadha bat gaya hai

Jism aadha reh gaya hai

Jaan aadhi reh gaiee hai

Ghar bhi aadha reh gaya hai

Aur ghar ke log aadhe reh gaye hain

Using simple and easy to understand words, Prof. Shahmiri points out how when the worst is over one is shocked to find everything left in halves – bodies, souls, houses and their inmates. Then commenting on the uncertainties and vicissitudes of life, he says how in a flash all the glory and pride of man is shattered to smithereens.

Apni izzat bhi to aadhi reh gaiee

Aadhi upar, aadhi malbe ke tale

Khawab aadhe reh gaye

Zinda ankhon mein kutch

Murda ankhon mein kutch

Using sharp imagery, the poet in Shahmiri creates lyrical emotions. He captures the nightmarish scenario in the quake hit Turkey in a soul-stirring way – the bruised psyche of the survivors, shadowy nastiness and the dull sobs slicing through the graveyard hours of night. The poet in him takes a panoramic view of this skeletal life and wonders should one mourn the losses or be grateful for what is left.

Iss adhuri zindgi ke dher par

Main khada ho kar yehi ab sochta hoon

Lut gaya hai jo asasa

Uss ka main matam karoon?

Ya ke jo kutch butch gaya hai

Shukr main uska karoon …?

Founder Vice Chancellor of Dr. Abdul Haq Urdu University, Kurnool, Prof. Shahmiri has emerged as a fine poet over the years. Earlier as HOD of Urdu in the University of Hyderabad, he did a lot for promotion of the language. His educational programme, Aao Urdu Seekhien, presented on ETV is remembered even today.

Despite his busy schedule, Prof. Shahmiri has been holding a mirror to the world with his moving verses. He tries to fashion his poetry on the lines of the American poet, Ezra Pound, and the Lebanese poet, Khalil Gibran. Themes dearer to his heart are life, death, divine chastisement, injustice and humanism. Recipient of the Urdu Academy’s coveted Lifetime Achievement Award, Prof. Shahmiri plans to shortly bring out the second edition of his book, Pyas. It has several new poems which promise to leave the soul gasping for more.

J.S.Ifthekhar,

Hyderabad based journalist.

Article published in Telangana Today

Dated February 24 ,2023.

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All big things have small beginnings. It is no different with Numaish, the most popular consumer fair of Hyderabad. As its 82nd edition is all set to be inaugurated on Sunday evening, it is interesting to know how humble were its beginning. Today it boasts of over 2000 stalls and an all-India status but when it started way back in 1938 it had just 50 kiosks and was totally local in nature.

When the idea took shape some eight decades back nobody thought it would catch on like wildfire. To the surprise of everyone it not only clicked but remains the most inexpensive entertainer till date. What’s more it is the only annual event to be organised year after year for 46 days at a stretch.

In its long history, the Industrial Exhibition could not be organised only on two occasions. First during 1947-48 when events leading to the merger of the Nizam’s Hyderabad State with the Indian Union made it impossible to hold the exhibition. And the second time in 2021 the trade fair couldn’t be organised in view of the COVID pandemic. On a few other occasions it had a delayed start as curfew was  in force in the city.

The Numaish Masnuat-e-Mulki as it was originally called was inaugurated by the 7th Nizam, Mir Osman Ali Khan, coinciding with his birth anniversary in Public Gardens. The first Numaish lasted for just 10 days and the next year it was organised for 15 days. As its popularity grew, it was extended for a whole month. The annual show was shifted to its present location in 1946 by Sir Mirza Ismail, the then Prime Minister.

ow did the idea of an exhibition take shape in the first place? It all crystallised in the discussions of the Economic Committee of the Osmania Graduates’ Association. It was proposed to raise funds for conducting an economic survey of the State. When the proposal was mooted before the then Prime Minister, Sir Akbar Hyderi, he liked it. As the Numaish gained momentum it grew both in content and coverage drawing visitors by the thousands.  It was christened as the All India Industrial Exhibition in 1948. It was C. Rajagopalchari, then Governor General of India, who inaugurated it in its new avatar.

According to historians, the present venue in Nampally was chosen as it is nearer to the Hyderabad Railway Station.

The Numaish organisers wanted to give a boost to local industries and bring the manufacturers on a common platform. And this was possible only when the venue was close to the railway station for easy transport of goods.

What started off as a bazaar style fair has now turned into an open to sky exhibition. In recent years it has diversified into theme pavilions, food courts, recreation zones, amusement rides, on-site health care, well designed displays and carefully laid out relaxation areas. A few years ago the exhibition authorities decided to shed the All India Industrial Exhibition tag and promote it with the brand name ‘Numaish’. This is in order to distinguish it from the scores of exhibitions held round the year.

One can’t think of the New Year without the Numaish. So get set for the most inexpensive show in town.

J.S.Ifthekhar,

Hyderabad based journalist.

Article published in The Siasat Daily

Dated December 31,2022.

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Who doesn’t chat up with utter strangers during journeys? Everyone does and the talk usually runs around inane things which lead to nowhere. Imagine such casual conversation resulting in something big – even constructive.

It happened with Prof. Masood Ahmed of Hyderabad. Once he was travelling to Mumbai by train and struck a conversation with his fellow traveller, an engineering student. As the conversation progressed, he was surprised to learn that the boy had no inkling of what economy is all about and what inflation is. “This is not part of our syllabus,” the youngster replied when the professor expressed surprise.

That was the turning point. It led Prof. Masood to embark on a journey of lectures on the topic – Know Your Nation. This fruitful lecture series touched the 100th mark recently. “I never thought these talks would last this long,” says the incredulous professor.

Former president of Association of Indian Management Schools, Prof. Masood delivered his first talk on August 1, 2015 to students and faculty of CORE School of Management, Roorkee, UP. The 48-odd participants hung onto each word and were visibly satisfied with the knowledge gained. As word spread, there was demand for such lectures and Prof. Masood delivered ten more lectures that very month in the Master School of Management, Meerut, Birla Institute of Technology, Ranchi, ICBM School of Business Excellence, Hyderabad, Hyderabad Business School, GITAM University, Birla Institute of Management and Technology, Noida.

There was no looking back. The lectures, which focus on India’s economic scenario, education status and employment opportunities, took him all over the country and even abroad. He addressed packed conference halls in business schools, engineering and medical colleges and other institutions. In 2016 he delivered a talk to Deans and Directors of Business School of South Asia, Sri Lanka and next year at the University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh, Dhaka. He delivered similar lectures in Muscat, Jordan and Qatar.  Prof. Masood’s 100th lecture was delivered on December 26, 2022 at the Shaheen Group of Institutions, Bidar.

Prof. Masood makes his talks appealing with power point presentations packed with interesting nuggets of information. What do 7 billion people do? He asks and then goes on to inform that 1.4 billion work in agriculture, 1.7 billion in services, 800 million work in industries while over 400 million are entrepreneurs and 430 million are unemployed. And 1.9 billion are too young to work (0-15 ages). He reels out quick data like South Asia being home to a quarter of world population, India fact sheet about population, health and literacy rate, Central government expenditure, growth projects, human development index, how India ranks in ease of doing business. There are a whole lot of other details too.

There is woeful lack of knowledge about these things both among students and adults. “You should know yourself, your organisation and your nation. This is the prerequisite for progress,” says Prof. Masood. And he believes that thirst for learning, consistency in relearning and adopting unlearning are the keys for professional growth.

What next? A health care management expert, he is now planning to launch 100 interesting lectures on the subject – Know Your Health. Those who want to avoid going to hospitals can look forward to them.

J.S.Ifthekhar,

Hyderabad based journalist.

Article published in The Siasat Daily

Dated January 2,2023

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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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