World Urdu Day in Srinagar: Honoring Urdu Journalism’s Impact and Future

In Srinagar, the Anjuman Urdu Sahafat held an impactful gathering at Tagore Hall to mark World Urdu Day, focusing on both the current state and future potential of Urdu journalism in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir. Organized by the Anjuman Urdu Sahafat, the event was a platform to recognize veteran journalists and engage in discussions on evolving trends, challenges, and opportunities in Urdu journalism today.

Lifetime Achievement Awards were presented to two notable figures: Manzoor Anjum, Editor of Daily Uqab, and Abdul Rashid Shah, Editor-in-Chief of Daily Nida-e-Mashriq. The Shamim Ahmad Shamim Award went to Mohammad Shafi Samanani, founder Editor-in-Chief of Daily. In a tribute to past contributors, posthumous awards were also given to the late Ghulam Mohiuddin Rahbar, founder-editor of Weekly Rahbar, and Aziz Kashmiri, founding editor of Daily Roshni, honoring their foundational work in Urdu media.

The event included prominent media figures and intellectuals, such as former minister Naeem Akhtar, patron of Anjuman Urdu Sahafat Hamid Hamid, and journalists from BBC Hindi Service, Kashmir News Service, and Urdu Council. BBC correspondent Riyaz Masroor, the event’s chief guest, highlighted the increasing role of digital media for Urdu journalists, marking a significant shift from traditional print media. He emphasized that although print journalism is shrinking, Urdu journalism’s presence on digital platforms is growing, keeping interest in the language alive.

Masood Hussain, Editor-in-Chief of Kashmir Life, called for enhanced training and skill development for emerging Urdu journalists, underscoring a need to elevate standards within the profession. Professor Nasir Mirza further emphasized Urdu’s depth and richness, urging continuous efforts to promote it. He noted that Urdu journalism must adapt to new media formats to stay relevant while preserving its linguistic heritage.

The event also featured an in-depth discussion on the professional standards and values of Urdu journalism. Speakers called for a balanced approach, advocating for Urdu journalism to retain its traditional values amid rapid digital evolution.

Concluding the event, Anjuman Urdu Sahafat’s President, Riyaz Malik, expressed gratitude to all attendees, acknowledging the contributions of participants in making the event a success. The gathering underscored a commitment to advancing Urdu journalism and safeguarding its legacy in the region’s shifting media landscape.