RIYADH — Tanzeem Hum Hindustani (THH), a non-political and non-religious organization, organized a felicitation ceremony in recognition of renowned journalist and editor of Gawah Urdu Weekly Dr. Syed Fazil Hussain Parvez's illustrious journalistic journey.



The ceremony which was attended by members of the Indian community and representatives of various social organization was held at a local restaurant here.



Parvez, who will shortly take charge of Rahnuma-e-Deccan,"said that journalism is the noble and sacred profession which was given as an inheritance to generations by none other than the holy prophets. Right from the beginning of Adam’s  arrival in this world till the end of Prophethood, all the  Prophets dedicated their lives to spread the holy message of  Allah to the mankind; and that was the foundation of journalism.



Decrying the falling ethos in this noble profession, Parvez is of the view that journalists have forgotten the real spirit of this profession; they have  harmed it by getting themselves involved in corrupt practices like blackmailing, paid journalism, among others.



"We have to avoid provocative and sentimental  journalism so that the vast Muslim cause can be achieved," he said.



Speaking about the  corrupt practices in journalism, the editor said: "It  began more than a century back when Jews held their conference in Brussels in 1870 and decided to control the  media so that the world could be captured. Now, we can see  that they have succeeded in their mission where many big  media houses are owned by them."



Prominent banker Syed Ahmed Ziauddin also expressed his concern over the corruption in the fields of judiciary and journalism. He said the last general elections of the Indian parliament witnessed the worst example of the corruption in media where all the big channels promoted Modi falsely.



Shedding light on Urdu journalism, Parvez said: "Urdu journalists are not as affluent as journalists of other languages but still many of them safeguard the ethos of the  profession."



Prominent Indian businessman Dr. Nadeem Tarin said: "It is the necessity of time to strengthen the Urdu publications by all the possible means. It is the responsibility of affluent members of the community to come forward and offer assistance to support and encourage newspapers like Gawah, which are genuinely working for the real cause of the Muslim community."



Tarin apprecieted THH's activities and initiatives, and on behalf of the Indian community here Tarin assured Pavez of all possible support.



Salem Zubedi of Hira Education Society said: "Police, press and politicians make a vicious circle and we have stay from this. He said Qur'anic teachings are very important for journalism and it should be followed by journalists."



President of THH Mohammed Quaiser, who presided over the ceremony, said: "Journalists are responsible for many  problems and chaos in the world. If they followed the ethics and honesty they can bring revolutions in the world because it is said that the pen is mightier than the sword."



He added: "The problem is that we have left behind its (pen) proper usage. Once we revive our strong grip over the pen, we can bring huge changes." President Middle East NRI Association (MENA) Akhtar ul Islam Siddiqi Nadwi said that Islam should be represented in our writings.



He also highlighted the importance of Journalism by quoting verses from Qur'an. In his last sermon, the Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) had asked his audience to spread his message to others who were then not there. Spreading this noble message was journalism.



President Hindustani Bazm-e-Urdu Abdulrahman Saleem said: "Media should play an important role in creating awareness among our youth so that they stay away from militant activities. Youth are getting attracted toward it due to lack of awareness and media can make a difference by creating awareness among them."



Vice president  Bazm-e-Farogh-e-Urdu Wali ur Rahman stressed on the necessity to encourage and bring younger generation in journalism as this fields lacks proper Muslim representation.



Senior Pakistani journalist and renowned poet Choudhry Javeed Akhtar Javeed recited poetry in honor of the  guest.  Quaiser presented a memento of appreciation to Parvez.



THH also felicitated young novelist Saifur Rahman on the success of his first novel “The Nucle Saga,” and organizers expressed best wishes for his second novel “Inara” which is expected to release by the end of this year. General secratary of THH Mir Liyaqath Ali Hashmi had introduced the guest and narrated anecdotes of his encounters with the guest.



The function had began with the recitation of a few verses from the Qur'an by Mohammed Abdul  Rafey;  Anzar Hyderabadi recited Naat; Naqiuddin Akram presented bouquet to the guest. — SG