📷Musi river floods in 1908 on Sep 2

Sometimes, the hardest thing to do is to hold onto memories that hurt. But it’s also the only way to heal. Come September 28 and many Hyderabadis have a flood of memories rushing back. They are mostly emotional, painful and sad. The Musi flood of 1908 was a cataclysmic event that reshaped the landscape and the lives of many.

As the warm September breeze wafts through the streets of Hyderabad, a family gathers around a wooden chest, recalling the stories of the great flood and the mystery it had brought into their lives. While the torrential rains pounded the city more than a century ago, leaving a trail of death and destruction, it delivered an unexpected gift to one Syed Sirajul Hussain’s family who lived near the City College in the old city. A wooden chest, battered and worn by the gushing waters, floated gently to their doorstep.

The family watched in awe as the chest settled, almost as if fate had chosen them as its custodian. With trembling hands, the house inmates pried open its lid. No, there was no treasure trove or antique trinkets. It contained some sodden clothes and household articles. It is 115 years now and the family still holds on to the piece of relic – eagerly looking for the real owner to come forward and claim it.

This flood antique is now in Huma Kidwai’s residence in Banjara Hills. An electrical engineer, she has grown up hearing about the Musi flood from her grandfather, Sirajul Hussain, who was 17 years then. Huma received the ‘Shashdara’, as it is called, from her mother, Najma Nikhat, when she got married. Except for some minor repairs, the chest is in good condition and regularly gets a fresh coat of paint.

The wooden box has become a cherished heirloom, passed down from one generation to the next. It has acquired a mythical quality, a piece of history that connects the family to the past in a profound way. Over the years, Huma’s ancestors have tried frantically to trace the rightful owner of the chest in vain.

When the Musi swelled with fury, Huma’s grandparents huddled together in their humble abode. But as the water rose menacingly, they moved to a higher ground at Urdu Shareef. However, one of the family servants refused to move and stayed put. Five days later the family returned only to find their house had gone. But the servant was alive holding on to the chest, Huma told this reporter sometime back.

Years turned into decades and the chest became a cherished heirloom. Overwhelmed by the serendipity of their discovery, the Sirajul Hassan’s family made a solemn vow to safeguard the chest until its true owner steps forward. The chest has become a symbol of resilience, a testament to the enduring power of hope and human connection.

Astonishing are the ways of Hyderabad floods. Two years ago, when heavy rains lashed the city, two handis (pots) of biryani were seen floating in a waterlogged street – much to the dismay of foodies.

Now that the city is witnessing yet another anniversary of the Musi floods, will destiny reveal its long-held secret? Will the chest find its way back to where it truly belonged?

J.S.Ifthekhar,

Hyderabad based journalist.

Article published in Siasat.com portal.

Dated September 29,2023

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     📷 Representative Image

Birth anniversary celebration of the Prophet Muhammad is a sacred occasion for Muslims around the world. Beyond the festivities, it serves as an important time for introspection, with scholars delving into the issues afflicting the Muslim society and seeking solutions in the light of the Prophet’s teachings.

One pressing issue that found its way into the discussions at the 74th Rahmatul-lil-Alameen Day organized by the All India Majlise Tamire Millate on Sunday was the growing waywardness among the youth. It is disheartening to witness a rising trend of young individuals succumbing to intoxication, drug abuse, illiteracy, and involvement in criminal activities. The question on everyone’s mind is: What has led our youth astray from the righteous path? The answer, as highlighted by the Ulema (religious scholars), lies in the erosion of moral values and a gradual distancing from Islamic principles.

Intoxicants and drug abuse have become unfortunate companions for many young Muslims. This not only jeopardizes their physical and mental health but also disrupts their connection with the teachings of Islam. The Prophet Muhammad’s teachings emphasize the importance of a clear and sober mind, enabling individuals to make sound decisions and lead virtuous lives. “It is vital to remind our youth of these teachings to steer them away from the harmful path of substance abuse”, said Maulana Mehdi Hasan Aini Qasmi, Director, India Islamic Academy, Deoband.

It is the primary duty of parents to keep a tab on their children. They should routinely check their mobiles and chat boxes to find what their wards are indulging in. Another pressing concern is the increasing prevalence of illiteracy within the Muslim community. Education has always been highly regarded in Islamic culture, with the Prophet himself placing great emphasis on seeking knowledge. However, the sorry state of affairs today points to a deficiency in this regard. To overcome illiteracy, it is imperative to promote education and ensure that all members of the community have access to quality learning opportunities. However, care should be taken to discourage co-education as far as possible, said Qasmi who is also a member of the Islah-e-Muashra Committee of the All India Muslim Personal Law Board.

He cautioned youth about the pitfalls of social media and urged them not to fall prey to the fake news doing rounds on it. “Our reaction should always be positive like Prophet,” he said.

He wanted mosques to turn into hubs of counseling for youth. Members of other communities should also be invited to see for themselves what goes on there. This would not only help dispel misgivings about Islam but also send out positive vibes. Qasmi faulted the growing trend of late marriages and said it was the main reason for the youth going astray. He called for simplifying marriages so that the community could preserve its hard earned money. 

Maulana Ahsan bin Mohammed Al Hamoomi, Khateeb, Shahi Masjid, Public Gardens, strongly condemned the allegation that Islam promoted terrorism and said peace and harmony was in its very DNA. He cited several incidents from the life of the Prophet to show how he condoned his bitter enemies who spared no occasion to harm him. They even plotted to kill him and imposed a social boycott of his family for nearly three years. The Prophet could have extracted revenge when he conquered Makkah but he chose to pardon his enemies and detractors. “This is Islamic way of answering acts of terrorism,” Maulana Hamoomi remarked and said the Prophet always insisted on spreading peace, feeding people and maintaining ties of kinship.

Former MP, Maulana Obaidullah Khan Aazmi, who was the chief guest, threw light on various aspects of the Prophet’s personality and referred to the key role played by him in giving shape to the Hilf-al-Fudul pact in Makkah to establish justice for all through collective action. He spoke about the impeccable character of the Prophet and his ability to resolve disputes through peaceful means. His teachings underscored the importance of justice, mercy, and compassion. It is incumbent upon the Muslim society to reintegrate these values into our daily lives.

Expressing love for the Prophet, he said, required more than mere words. It necessitated a profound commitment to following his teachings and emulating the exemplary actions of his companions, he said.

Mufti Khaleel Ahmed of Jamia Nizamia also spoke. Earlier, Dr. Abdul Qadeer of Shaheen Educational Institutions, welcomed the gathering. Mohammad Ziauddin Nayyar, President, Tameere Millat, said today’s programme was advanced so that it did not clash with the Ganesh immersion procession on September 28.

J.S.Ifthekhar,

Hyderabad based journalist.

Article published in Siasat.com portal.

Dated September 25,2023

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📷 A map of the erstwhile state of Hyderabad, before it was trifurcated in 1956.

Come September and the political temperature rises in Hyderabad. What generates heat is the million dollar question: was Hyderabad liberated or merged? Like the who came first, chicken- or egg-conundrum the issue sees endless debate. And as debates go they end up whipping passions.

Of late September 17 has turned out to be a political slugfest. Some would like to celebrate it as a ‘Liberation Day’, some as ‘Merger Day’ and few as a day of betrayal. It is also remembered as the day of Police Action code named ‘Operation Polo’.  Whatever be the case, it remains the most controversial chapter in Indian history.

But many think labelling the invasion of Hyderabad as ‘Police Action’ to be a misnomer. It is named so to make the assault look like a law and order situation. “It was an organised, pre-planned full blown military attack in which the air force bombarded targets followed by tanks, armoured cars and armed men,” says Syed Ali Hashmi, author of the book – Hyderabad 1948: An Avoidable Invasion.

Syed Ali Hashmi’s Book Cover

Much before the Police Action, Hyderabad state saw a severe economic blockade. Supply of petrol and crude oil was stopped to paralyse communication and transportation. The blockade was similar to the economic sanctions imposed by UN on Iraq when Saddam Hussein was the ruler. These measures were intended to force the Nizam to ‘kneel down’ before the Indian Union. There was also an arms embargo following reports of the Nizam clandestinely importing weapons from abroad. There was also propaganda about Muslim countries coming to the rescue of Hyderabad but in reality nothing of that sort happened.

A.G. Noorani

The last princely state to accede to Indian Union, many nationalists felt the existence of independent Hyderabad constituted a dangerous portent for the independence of India itself. The tragedy of Hyderabad, according to renowned lawyer, A.G. Noorani, was only fait accompli once the British rule in the Indian sub-continent ended on August 15, 1947. “Only statesmanship could have averted it, but it was in short supply at that time,” he writes in his book – The Destruction of Hyderabad.

   

AG Noorani’s Book Cover

The feudal order of the Nizam had to go. But the violent way the transition to democracy was made was more painful with lasting consequences. Nehru had contempt for the Nizam’s set up, but he bore no malice towards him personally while Sardar Patel hated the Nizam personally and ideologically opposed Hyderabad’s composite culture. “Nehru wanted to avoid India’s balkanisation by defeating Hyderabad’s secessionist venture. But Patel wanted to go further. He wanted to destroy Hyderabad and its culture completely,” says Noorani.

The military aggression on Hyderabad commenced on September 13, 1948. In fact Pandit Nehru was reluctant to use force but the death of Muhammad Ali Jinnah a day before clinched the decision. The Indian government believed there would be no retaliation from Pakistan in the event of military action. On that fateful day the Indian Army invaded on five fronts and in less than a week the conquest was over with the Nizam’s Army, more an exhibition force than a fighting force, offering little resistance. Except for the Razakars and some Ittehad civilian volunteers, there were not many battle casualties. But the fall of Hyderabad witnessed large scale massacre, rape, plunder and seizure of Muslim property. The government appointed Pandit Sunderlal Committee, which toured the affected villages and districts in the wake of the invasion, estimated the deaths to be between 27,000 to 40,000. But independent surveys put the number of Muslims massacred between 50,000 to 2 lakh, particularly in the Marathwada region of the State.

In the run up to D-day, Nizam made desperate attempts to stop the invasion. He wrote a personal letter to C. Rajagopalachary, the then Governor General, to use his good offices and see that good sense prevailed. There were reports of the militant Razakars taking the administration into their hands and creating lawlessness. Having drawn a blank from all sides, the Nizam felt betrayed by the British Crown.

Razakar units being trained

Many believe the Nizam did the right thing in surrendering to the Indian military as the latter was far superior in terms of numbers and weaponry. The Indian Army commenced its actions on September 13 from all sides. In the end the Hyderabad state surrendered meekly to the Indian military without a single shot being fired. This was largely due to the betrayal of El Edroos, the Commander-in-Chief of the Hyderabad Army, who instructed the various army sector commanders to ‘avoid resistance and surrender.’

Though the Nizam was far outnumbered in military might, his army could still have fought and resisted the Indian forces at least for sometime as a matter of prestige. But Nizam was unaware of the conspiracy hatched by Edroos and his secret orders to the Hyderabad Army not to resist the Indian Army, it is said.

The military strength of Hyderabad at the time of Police Action was just a fighting force of 22,000. It had guns, three armored regiments while one fourth of the irregular army was equipped with modern weapons and the rest were armed with muzzle loaders. This apart there were 10,000 armed Arabs, 10,000 Razakars and soldiers of Paigah and jagir police. Historian, M.A. Nayeem, calls the Indian invasion as ‘naked aggression’ and in ‘blatant violation’ of international law. The military attack was euphemistically named ‘Operation Polo’ to assuage the world criticism of the unprovoked aggression, he says.

Whatever, the Asaf Jahi dynasty which ruled the Deccan for nearly 224 years, ended on September 17, 1948 with the Nizam signing an instrument of accession to join India.

Now the Union government has decided to hold a year long commemoration to mark 75 years of ‘Hyderabad State Liberation’. This is seen as an attempt to give the historic reality a religious colour while ‘Betrayal Day’ gets support from the fact that it was a breach of the Standstill Agreement. The TRS government is gearing up to observe the event as “Telangana National Integration Day”.  In whatever fashion the day is observed it is bound to revive painful memories and reopen old wounds.

J.S.Ifthekhar,

Hyderabad based journalist.

Article published in Siasat.com portal.

Dated September 12,2023

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If Telangana has become a ‘golden Telangana’ in a span of just nine years the credit goes to the dynamic leadership of Chief Minister, K Chandrasekhar Rao. “It takes not a 56-inch chest but a six-inch heart to work wonders,” remarked Home Minister, Mohammad Mehmood Ali.
He was speaking after releasing a book on late K M Arifuddin, noted educationist and Telangana protagonist, at the Madina Education Centre on Monday evening. Mehmood Ali turned the occasion into a virtual election campaign by recounting the achievements of the BRS government in different fields. He took frequent digs at the BJP and the Congress and without naming the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, said to achieve such spectacular success it required a 6-inch heart that  beats for the people and not a 56-inch chest.
The biographical sketch on Arifuddin written by his wife, Sabiha Farzana, gives a detailed account of the life and struggle of her husband in establishing and nurturing educational institutions for the Muslim community. The book is designed and published by the Media Plus Foundation. For a change the Home Minister came to the programme along with his wife, Nasreen Fatima, due to their close ties with Arifuddin’s family.
Hamed Mohammad Khan, president, Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, and Ziauddin Nayyer, President of All India Majlis Tameer-e-Millat, paid rich tributes to Arifuddin’s services for the cause of  education.
The Congress ruled the State for 50 years and the Telugu Desam for 9 years and yet Telangana remained backward. But within two years of coming to power, KCR showed what statehood for the region meant.Thanks to his inspiring leadership, Telangana progressed in all spheres and today it was No. 1 State in the country, the Home Minister said.The Chief Minister, he said, had a soft corner for minorities and the schemes sanctioned by him proved it. Till date a whopping sum of Rs. 400 crore was spent by the government on providing overseas scholarships to minority students to pursue higher education in foreign countries. The beauty of the scheme was that each student was provided Rs. 20 lakh which is non-refundable. Similarly, the government had provided Rs. 300 crore for the Shadi Mubarak scheme for the marriage of poor Muslims girls.
For the education of minority youth, the Telangana government set up 203 residential schools and later upgraded them into junior colleges. “All this is possible because of Telangana gaining statehood,” the Home Minister said and recalled the sacrifices made by KCR in making it a reality. He further stated how during the Nizam era people headed to Hyderabad for trading in jewels and diamonds  and today they were coming here to make investments as there was total law and order and a peaceful atmosphere in the State.
Earlier, Mehmood Ali spoke about the missionary zeal displayed by the late Arifuddin in establishing a string of educational institutions under the Madina Education and Welfare Society. He also recalled his struggle in the separate Telangana movement. He urged Arifuddin’s children, Fasihuddin and Maria Tabassum, to take forward the mission of their father and that the government would extend all possible help.

J.S.Ifthekhar,

Hyderabad based journalist.

Article published in Siasat.com portal.

Dated September 5,2023

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Remember the time when you had your ear tweaked. Or you were made to stand on the bench for not doing the homework. Challenging moments they seemed at that point of time, surely. Now we know they were valuable life lessons in responsibility and discipline. We also realize the well-meaning intentions of the teacher behind these actions.

As September 5 draws near everyone gets ready to pay homage to the unsung heroes who inspired hopes, ignited imagination and instilled life skills in us. On this occasion, it is worthwhile to recall the timeless teachings of the Prophet of Islam. The greatest of educators, his pedagogy continues to open minds and touch hearts in a way no one else can. Not just his followers, but even others can learn a lot from his teaching methodology and enrich their lives.

Many people, even some Muslims, consider Prophet Muhammad to be just a Messenger of Allah. They are, of course, right. But more than an Apostle, he was sent by Allah to explain, teach, and instruct people with the Quranic wisdom. Though unlettered himself, his teachings are such that they guide one in every chapter of life. He lived in a desert environment and yet delivered a message that is all-inclusive for the entire mankind. In his classroom, no distinction was made between students on the basis of intelligence and social standing. The Prophet led by example and preached what he practiced.

Huwallazi ba’asa fil-ummiyyina rasulam min-hum yatlu alaihim ayatihi wa yuzakkihim wa yuallimuhumul – kitaba wal-hikmata wa in kanu min qablu lafi dalalim mubin. A-Jumua, 2. (It is He who sent among the illiterate ones a Messenger from among them – reciting to them His verses, purifying them and teaching them the book and wisdom, although they were in manifest error before.)

Influence of good teacher

We all know how the influence of a good teacher extends beyond the classroom, well into the future. But when it comes to Prophet Muhammad, his teachings serve as a beacon light – inspiring and impacting the lives of the believers down the ages. Even his bitter enemies and adversaries are easily won over by his noble personality and teachings..

We all know that Prophet Muhammad was sent with the express purpose of teaching and guidinghumanity onto the right path. For this he adopted a variety of techniques – analogies, similes, anecdotes, diagrams, gestures, humour, interactive dialogue, repetition, physical contact and continuous evolution to drive home the message. This pedagogical dimension of the Prophet is something which is not much highlighted and talked about.

His mission was all the more difficult as he was sent to tame and correct the Arabs who were stern, extremely crude and detestable in temperament. The Prophet showed exemplary patience, compassion and kindness in dealing with them. He was very methodical in explaining matters. He would repeat everything thrice. “If one wants to count his words, one could do so”, says his dearest wife, Hazrat Aisha. When he had to correct or reprimand a person he did so in a subtle way without hurting the sentiments.

Sublime character

A study of the Prophet’s sunnah (tradition), his unblemished life, and his sublime character shows that he taught through his actions, making it easy for the people to emulate him. Sometimes he would answer the questioner according to the level of his understanding, an important principle in teaching. Sometimes he would answer more than what a person had asked for. He would convey the meaning through example, drawing or through a simile. As teaching aids he taught through allusion, comparison and debate. The Messenger of Allah adopted a gradual approach in teaching so that it becomes easy for one to absorb and memorise things. Also he would speak about the most important aspects first and then the less important.

Laqad kana lakum fi rasulilllahi uswatun hasanatul liman kana yarjullaha wal-yaumal-akhira wa zakarallaha kasira (Al-Ahzaab, 21)

(You have an excellent example in the Messenger of Allah, for anyone who seeks Allah and the Last Day, and remembers Allah abundantly.)

Another notable feature of his teaching was that he answered questions taking into consideration the conditions, circumstances and abilities of the questioner. Sometimes he would give two different replies to the same question. There is an incident in the book of Hadith which says how a young man came to the Prophet and asked: “O Rasullah! Can I kiss my wife while I am fasting?.” The Prophet replied, “No”. After sometime an old man approached and put the same question and the Prophet said, “Yes”. The Prophet’s companions, who were present on the occasion, were amazed at the two different replies and started looking at each other in surprise. Clarifying their doubt, the Prophet said. “The old man can control himself.” On the contrary, the young man might not stop at kissing and may proceed further nullifying his fast, the Prophet explained.

Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah 

Great teacher

There are a number of such incidents in the Prophet’s life which illustrate what a great teacher he was and how he answered to each person according to what was important and appropriate to his situation. Another important lesson for everyone, particularly teachers, is that there is nothing wrong in saying “I do not know” when you really don’t know the answer. Such a reply will not diminish the status of an aalim or mufti, scholars say.

When a man asked the Prophet about the final hour, he replied, “The one who is questioned does not know any more than the one who is asking.” What the Prophet meant was nobody has knowledge about the final hour except Allah.

Two books which are recently published make for interesting reading and are an excellent reference in educational methodology. One Muhammad the Perfect Teacher by Sheikh Abd Al-Fattah Abu Ghuddah gives a rare insight into the teaching methods of the Prophet. Another book by Muhammad Salih Al-Munajjid titled The Prophet’s Methods of Correcting People’s Mistakes tells how a teacher should not expect people to be perfect and infallible and deal with them in a realistic manner.

Every son of Adam sins

Every son of Adam sins and the best of sinners are the repentant. (Hadith, Jami at-Tirmidhi)

Making mistakes is part of human nature. But there is a distinction between one who errs out of ignorance and one who errs despite his knowledge. Correcting mistakes also forms part of education and it should be done in a subtle way. For those engaged in the field of education, these books are indispensable.  The prophetic way of teaching would help one not only in imparting spiritual education but also in our day-to-day life.

The mediocre teacher tells; the good teacher explains; the superior teacher demonstrates; great teacher inspires. But the didactic ways of a divinely guided Prophet are timeless and infallible.

J.S.Ifthekhar,

Hyderabad based journalist.

Article published in Siasat.com portal.

Dated September 2,2023

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Main to paida huee Bharat mein mohabbat  ke liye

Sab ba-ratte hain magar apni zaroorat ke liye

Jab bhi aata hai  election tho maiN yaad aati huN

Warna phir sab ke damagon se nikal jaati huN

Aye watan meri tabaahi ki katha bhi sun ley

Ek majboor se thoda  sa gila bhi sun ley

That is a takeoff on Allama Iqbal’s ‘Shikwa’ by Talib Khundmiri, Hyderabad’s best-known poet, to illustrate the pathetic condition of Urdu. A dying language, on the wane, bleak future – the list of doomsday predictions is endless. Equally long is the line-up of lip-sympathisers and chest beaters – ever ready to champion the cause of Urdu.

Over the years Hyderabad has witnessed any number of movements and agitations to secure Urdu its due, the objectives always tainted by political expediency.  But now the city is seeing a selfless and constructive programme to protect and propagate the language. Of late a silent but concerted effort is underway to swell the ranks of Urdu readers. From just 10 Urdu teaching centers in 1994 to 800 in 2023, the transformation reflects a monumental shift driven by dedicated efforts. It also underscores a remarkable evolution in Urdu teaching accessibility and outreach. Now Urdu is being taught to whosoever is interested. No age restrictions, no fee and no ulterior motives. The singular aim is to increase the abiding interest in Urdu.

This trail blazing work is taken up not by the Urdu Academy, any voluntary organisation or any educational institution. It is the country’s premier Urdu newspaper and Hyderabad’s popular daily, Siasat, which is spreading Urdu literacy. Many believe Siasat has a vested interest in imparting Urdu learning as it wants to protect is future readership.

“It is not to safeguard our readership but to teach Urdu as a mother tongue to Muslims and also to those interested in it that we have taken up this task,” is the oft repeated remarks made by the late Zaheeruddin Ali Khan, Managing Editor, Siasat.

The Abid Ali Khan Educational Trust, which is spearheading the programme, has taught Urdu to more than 10 lakh persons till date, says Siasat News Editor, Amer Ali Khan.

It was after the death of Abid Ali Khan, founder –editor of Siasat, that his family decided to launch a social service activity to perpetuate his name. An Educational Trust was formed in 1993 befitting the stature of the veteran editor who created and nurtured many institutions during his lifetime. The Siasat family was concerned that Urdu, a language with rich history, was slowly fading away due to overwhelming influence of modernity. They recognised the urgency to pass on this cultural gem to the generation next. Their efforts have paid off. Siasat has succeeded in rekindling a sense of pride among people about their heritage.

Initially the idea of imparting Urdu did not find many takers in the Siasat office itself. After giving an advertisment asking those interested in Urdu’s promotion to come, the management arranged about two dozen chairs in a hall. But the response took everyone by surprise. People came in droves and wanted to know what scheme was being launched. They were not prepared to listen to speeches but wanted action. That showed the innate desire of people to learn Urdu.

Of course, Siasat was ready with its plans. Departing from the conventional method of teaching, the phonetic system was adopted for faster learning. The Urdu primer, developed with the help of Raziur  Rahman of Dawn Education Society, proved very effective. Each word in the book is spelled in Telugu, English and Hindi language – making it easier for learners.

The Trust teamed up with private schools in the city and supplied the reading materials, including Urdu primers, pencils, rubbers, notebooks and black boards. A token amount towards conveyance of teachers was also given. The tie up with Siasat proved very beneficial to schools as they got lot of free publicity. The number of students on their rolls increased substantially.

To start with 10 centres were set up in the summer of 1994 and within a few days another 35 were opened to cope up with the demand. That year 4,947 students, including 556 women and some street children, passed out the Urdu Dani examination. Next year along with Urdu Dani, examination was held to the next course – Zaban Dani. A total of 15,366 students passed out.  Later another advanced course, Insha, was added. The good response from districts forced the Trust to open 44 centres in the then combined State of Andhra Pradesh.

The course material prepared by the Trust received so much appreciation that the Delhi Urdu Academy copied it. In Bombay, cine star, Dilip Kumar, opened an Urdu school in Dharavi slum. NRIs also evinced interest and soon Urdu learning centres were set up in Dubai, Kuwait, Jeddah, Riyadh, London and Chicago. Today the Trust has its teaching centres all over the country. This year 87,000 candidates appeared for the Urdu exam conducted by the Trust at 479 centres in Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and parts of Karnataka and Maharashtra. In the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad alone 340 exam centres were set up. Many of those who took the exam were from English medium schools.

t is not just neo-literates, but also University professors, doctors, professionals, housewives, who are learning Urdu. There is definitely an awakening among Muslims to learn their mother tongue as much of the Islamic literature is available in Urdu language. Among non-Muslims, the desire to learn Urdu is driven by the flavour of its poetry.

Zaheeruddin, who personally looked after the Trust activities, had no doubt that the future of Urdu is bright and that it is going to survive.

In teaching it is the method and not the content that is important – the drawing out, not the pumping in. This perhaps is the reason behind the runaway success of the Urdu teaching programme launched by the Trust.

J.S.Ifthekhar,

Hyderabad based journalist.

Article published in Siasat.com portal.

Dated August 30,2023

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A journalist. A Telangana protagonist. A regular figure at protest meetings. A pensive figure at conferences. A concerned citizen whose heart beats for the poor. A secularist to the core. A force to reckon with. Sure.

That gives a word picture of Zaheeruddin Ali Khan, former Managing Editor, The Siasat. In his 62 years, he was more than just a friendly, smiling face. He epitomised the essence of selflessness and compassion. He touched many lives, particularly of Muslim boys and girls, struggling for quality education. In his later years he took on the mighty Wakf mafia and showed by example what protection and conservation really means. Quiet, firm, and unrelenting. His passing away has brought the curtains down on a multifaceted career.

As I sit down to pen a few words about my friend of 30 years, I am at a loss for words. Zaheer Bhai, as he was affectionately called, was so talented and versatile that it is impossible to describe all his traits. But suffice it is to concentrate on just one aspect: his love and care for the well-being of the community. More than a journalist he was a social worker – a true humanitarian. He espoused causes that are not essentially part of a newspaper job. He went the extra mile to help people, especially during times of strife. Zaheer sab was there to lend a hand, be it the Gujarat massacre, the Mumbai riots, or the Bihar floods. He raised money through the Siasat Millat Fund and mobilised resources to help the affected. He was always at the forefront, ready to ease pain and suffering. This compassionate trait earned him a special place in the hearts of people. His innate sense of empathy touched countless lives and brought a ray of hope to despairing souls.

Zaheer Sab’s philanthropy was not limited to just emergency situations. He was always ready to support the needy and destitute. People made a beeline to his office for all sorts of things. Some would come to him seeking a job, some for educational support, and few others for help in corrections to Aadhaar cards and things like that. He lent an ear to everyone patiently and did the best he could.

For him, education was the master key to success. He believed it to be the best investment one could make. And all through his life, he tried to open the doors of opportunities through education to the poor and underprivileged. Women empowerment was a cause dear to his heart. Realising the difficulty the community faced in marrying girls in view of rising dowry demand, Zaheer bhai came up with the idea of ‘Do-ba-do’ (face-to-face) programme. This unique programme helped many families find a suitable match for their daughters without having to run around.

Though I knew Zaheer bhai for a long time, I drew close to him after my retirement from The Hindu newspaper. He wanted me to write for Siasat.com, a news portal set up by him. After initial hesitation, I agreed. He interacted with me on a day-to-day basis discussing story ideas. Like many others, I was touched by his boundless energy and infectious smile. I met him at a book release programme at the P.S. Telugu University on Saturday evening. We chatted together. But I never knew that it would be our last meeting.

The love and respect commanded by Zaheer bhai was evident from the huge turnout of people at his funeral prayers at the Shahi Masjid on Tuesday morning. Rest in peace Zaheer bhai. Your efforts to transform lives will continue to have a ripple effect.

J.S.Ifthekhar,

Hyderabad based journalist.

Article published in Siasat.com portal.

Dated August 8,2023

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