Hazrat Maulana Ghiyas Ahmad Rashadi Sahib, President of Safah Bait-ul-Mal and Manbar-Mihrab Foundation, was felicitated for his completion of the Tafsir al-Quran by Qari Muhammad Abdul Rahman Shahid Sahib and his brothers.
On the evening of December 31, 2024, a grand “Shab-e-Noor” Quranic Recitation event was held at the vast Dar-ul-Shifa Football Ground in the city. The event was presided over by Ustaad-ul-Qura’ Hazrat Maulana Qari Muhammad Ali Khan Sahib (may his blessings last) with the patronage of Mufti Hafiz Sadiq Mohiuddin Sahib (may his blessings last). The event featured renowned internationally acclaimed Qaris from the city, who presented their recitations.
Hazrat Maulana Jafar Pasha Sahib, Hazrat Maulana Hassan Farooq Sahib, respected Mir Zulfiqar Sahib (Charminar MLA), and respected Riyaz-ul-Hassan Afandi Sahib (MLC) participated as distinguished guests.
The Qaris presented their remarkable recitations until 2 AM, with a large crowd of both common people and elites in attendance.
Hazrat Maulana Ghiyas Ahmad Rashadi Sahib, President of Safah Bait-ul-Mal and Manbar-Mihrab Foundation, was felicitated for his completion of the Tafsir al-Quran by Qari Muhammad Abdul Rahman Shahid Sahib and his brothers.
The program concluded with a special prayer from Ustaad-ul-Qura’ Hazrat Maulana Qari Muhammad Ali Khan Sahib.
source: http://www.munsifdaily.com / Munsif News 24×7 / Home> Hyderabad / by Syed Mubashir / January 01st, 2025
A sense of ‘Think global, act local’ prevailed at the launch of two significant books “Who jo Shams tha Sar-e-Aasmaan” and “Seemanchal ke Afsana Nigar.” The launch was jointly organized by Forum for Intellectual Discourse and Idara Adab-e-Islami, Delhi on Sunday, 7 November, 2021 at the headquarters of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind.
The book “Who Jo Shams tha Sar e Assmaan” was compiled by Dr Noman Qaisar and Mohd Islam Khan and has 41 Urdu articles and six poems on the life and services of journalist Dr Abdul Qadir Shams who died during Covid-19 on 25 August, 2020. It also has four write-ups in English.
Another book “Seemanchal ke Afsana Nigar” is an effort to document the life and works of dozens of fiction writers of Seemanchal.
Presiding over the programme renowned Islamic scholar and former President of Maulana Azad University, Jodhpur, Prof Akhtarul Wasey said that the work done by Abdul Qadir Shams was ‘unusual’. “Shams used to sleep in Delhi but dreamed of Seemanchal.” The void left with his demise would always be felt in my life, said Wasey, who is also the Professor Emeritus of Islamic Studies at Jamia Millia Islamia. Seemanchal ke Afsana Nigar will be an indispensable work in the history of short-story writing. Prof Wasey also congratulated the Forum for Intellectual Discourse stating that the need for such an organization like the Forum could never be felt more strongly than the present times. He wished the Forum success.
Special guest, editor general at NCERT, Dr Perwaiz Shaharyar expressed happiness over organizing a meeting for a journalist in which a large number of people from media were present whose responsibility had grown manifold as the nation was confronted with difficult situations. He called the book a ‘valuable addition to literature’. Prof Abu Bakar Abbad had his reservations for confining any segment of Urdu literature to a specific region as Urdu was a global language. The protagonists, however, had their own arguments for identifying geographical regions, as was also the case with Seemanchal, a region long ignored by most literary aficionado.
Abdul Mannan, editor of monthly Yojana reasoned that the creative facets of Seemanchal remained shrouded because their writers usually shied away from the limelight. In that context, he considered Ehsan Quasmi’s work exceptional.
Chief guest, senior journalist Siraj Naqvi, who had worked with Abdul Qadir Shams for over a decade said that Shams new the art of maintaining relationships. Despite all the difficulties, the smile on his face would dispel worries. Author, critic and famous litterateur Haqqani Al-Qasmi paid a glowing literary tribute to his childhood friend Abdul Qadir Shams which moved the audience. He said Woh jo Shams tha… is not merely a collection of articles but teardrops flowing directly from the hearts.
Dr Waris Mazhari, Assistant Professor, Jamia Hamdard; Dr Khalid Mubashshir, Assistant Professor, Jamia Millia Islamia; Dr Ahmad Ali Jauher, Assistant Professor, Indira Gandhi National Open University; Dr Jasim Uddin Qasmi of Delhi University, Jamshed Adil Alig and Dr Zain Shamsi also shared their views. Uzma Shaheen, daughter of late Abdul Qadir Shams paid a rich tribute to her father.
Manzar Imam of Forum for Intellectual Discourse moderated the three-hour long programme which had begun with Qur’anic recitation of Abdur Rahman, followed by welcome remarks of Dr Mohammad Ajmal, Assistant Professor, Centre for Arabic and African Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University. It ended with a vote of thanks by journalist Abid Anwar.
source: http://www.muslimmirror.com / Muslim Mirror / Home> Books / by Manzar Imam / November 10th, 2021
Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) Vice Chancellor, Professor Tariq Mansoor today released the Hindi translation of Sir Syed Ahmad Khan’s ‘Asbab-e-Baghawat-e-Hind’ along with a special reprint of the book in Urdu. The translation has been done by Dr Jasim Mohammad.
The book was released in the presence of Professor Shafey Kidwai (Member-in-Charge, Public Relations Office, AMU).
On the occasion, the Vice Chancellor said that Sir Syed Ahmad Khan took upon himself the challenge of educating the masses by pushing ahead common people towards over all development with the most modern and scientific education. He added that it is imperative that the teachings Sir Syed should reach all corners of world through translations in various languages.
Dr Jasim said that the idea behind the translation of ‘Asbab-e-Baghawat-e-Hind’ is to educate people on how Sir Syed with his nationalistic approach towards problems and controversies prevailing at that time took the unimaginable step of speaking against the British rule.
Dr Jasim has authored 26 books including ‘Sir Syed Ahmad Khan aur Aligarh Movement’, Aligarh Muslim University Minority Character: A Comprehensive Study’ and ‘Urdu Mass Media aur Rabta-e-Aama’. He regularly writes articles and opinion pieces in Hindi, Urdu and English languages for national dailies. Dr Jasim is also a recipient of Bharat Gaurav Samman, Acharya Hasthi Karuna Institutional Award and Rais Uddin Rais Award.
source: http://www.indiaeducationdiary.com / India Education Diary / Home> Academics> Competition> Edu Events> National News / by India Education Diary Bureau / pic: edited – facebook.com/proamuofficial / September 09th, 2017
After a difficult childhood and early careers in aviation and the hotel industry, Hussain Mansuri found his true calling—serving humanity. Today, he stands as a prominent social media influencer and a beacon of hope for many in need.
Widely recognized for his philanthropic efforts, especially in supporting children battling cancer, Mansuri’s heartfelt videos have touched millions on Instagram. “Main sirf insaniyat ka farz ada kar raha hoon,” he says emotionally. “I am only fulfilling the duty of humanity.”
Mansuri’s life journey is a testament to resilience. He completed his schooling at Cardinal Gracious High School in Mumbai and later graduated from Rizvi College. Even as a child, he had a deep passion for photography and storytelling. However, financial struggles meant he had to work while still in primary school.
Hussain Mansuri with flower sellers
“I remember those days when I wore second-hand clothes just to get by,” he recalls. “But I focused on my education and eventually landed a job with Jet Airways.”
To support his family, Hussain also worked as a waiter and took on various odd jobs. During this time, he developed a profound sense of compassion and a desire to help those less fortunate.
“I saw people chasing wealth endlessly, yet they lacked true satisfaction,” he says. “And very few were willing to help strangers without expecting anything in return.”
Hussain lives by the principle: “Tu bas dua kama, phir tujhse amir koi nahi”—Just earn blessings, and then no one is richer than you. Guided by this philosophy, he began helping those in need—even when his means were limited.
Hussain Mansuri with a child
During the COVID-19 pandemic, when many were left without food or medical support, Hussain stepped up. He distributed essentials to the homeless, sick, and starving.
He continues to offer financial aid to cancer patients, particularly at Tata Memorial Hospital, supports underprivileged children’s education, and provides food, clothing, and care to the elderly, regardless of caste, religion, or background.
It is this unwavering dedication that has earned him the title, Ambassador of Humanity.
Though his actions are modest in scale, their impact is profound. His videos not only provide immediate relief to those in need but also inspire millions to develop empathy and a sense of social responsibility.
Hussain Mansuri distributing food packets
In one powerful video, Hussain is seen picking up discarded images of Hindu deities from the roadside and respectfully immersing them in water. This simple act of communal respect resonated deeply with viewers across faiths, earning widespread admiration and sending a message of unity at a time when it’s most needed.
With a growing community of over 12.3 million followers on Instagram, Hussain’s digital presence serves as a platform for social change. “When I started, I used to share some photos and personal stories,” he says. “People started connecting with them. Over the years, that small start has grown into something beautiful—like a second family.”
source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> The Changemakers, Maharashtra / by Fazal Pathan / July 16th, 2025
Senior IPS officer Abdul Ahad has been promoted to the grade of Senior Superintendent of Police (Selection Grade) with effect from January 1, 2025. He will continue serving in his current role as Director of Security and Vigilance at the Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) until further orders.
This promotion places Ahad in Level 13 of the IPS Pay Matrix as per the IPS (Pay) Rules, 2016, reflecting his distinguished service in the force.
Ahad, who hails from Moodbidri in Dakshin Kannada district, has held several important positions throughout his career. Before his appointment to BMTC, he was serving as the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) for Bengaluru’s Crime Branch (CCB). In September last year, he took over the role of Director for BMTC’s Security and Vigilance wing.
The senior officer’s tenure includes noteworthy stints as the DCP of Bengaluru’s Whitefield division, SP at the Coastal Security Police, SP of Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) Bengaluru, SP of Economic Offences Wing at CID, and Commandant at KSRP.
Ahad’s extensive experience in tackling economic crimes, corruption cases, and city crime has been instrumental in his rise through the ranks, marking another milestone in his illustrious career with this promotion.
Ahad is the younger brother of Abdus Salam Puttige, founder of popular Kannada daily Vartha Bharati, published from Bengaluru, Mangaluru and Shivamogga simultaneously. Fluent in Kannada, Urdu and Beary language, Ahad completed memorising the Quran from a local Madrasa in Karkala town at young age.
source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Latest News> Report / by Mohammed Atherulla Shariff / January 01st, 2025
Hamd Foods, a rising name in the natural food products sector, inaugurated its fourth exclusive outlet in Kaup on Thursday, reinforcing its commitment to the brand’s vision, ‘Healthy Food, Healthy Life.’ The launch was spearheaded by Founder Shahida A, Co-founder Mariyam Shahira, and Branch Manager Khairunnisa.
Following the success of its earlier outlets in Falnir, Krishnapura, and Thokkottu, the Kaup branch marks a significant step in the company’s expansion journey. With over 150 natural food and personal care products on offer, the outlet provides customers with options ranging from spice blends, stone-ground pastes, and frozen snacks to flour varieties and skincare items, all free from artificial colours and chemical preservatives.
“In today’s fast-paced world, many people struggle to find time to prepare healthy meals. Through this outlet, we aim to make wholesome, ready-to-use natural products easily accessible to everyone,” said Shahida A, addressing the gathering.
The launch event was attended by several prominent women including Reshma Thota, Prameela Jatanna, Alia Sayyed, and Nilofer Parveen, who expressed their appreciation for the brand’s consistent growth.
“Your consistency and hard work over the past seven years has led you to launch your fourth store today,” noted Reshma Thota. “For working women like us, Hamd’s products are a real support. In a market full of choices, it’s rare to find ones that are both hygienic and chemical-free — Hamd is a brand we truly trust.”
source: http://www.english.varthabharati.in / Vartha Bharati / Home> Karavali / by Vartha Bharati / July 13th, 2025
At 59, a motor mechanic in Rajasthan dedicates his life to helping 19,000 poor families, distributing free ration kits and gifts to Hindus and Muslims alike, proving that service knows no religion.
New Delhi / Dungarpur :
In the heart of Dungarpur city in Rajasthan, a remarkable story of selfless service and unity is quietly unfolding. Haji Noor Mohammad Makrani, a car mechanic by trade, has become an inspiring figure of humanity and brotherhood, breaking barriers of religion and caste with his unwavering dedication to the poor and needy.
For many years, Noor Mohammad has devoted himself to social service through the public welfare group “MMB Group,” inspired by the spirit of the Mastan Shah Baba Dargah, where he is actively involved. His mission has touched the lives of over 19,000 families, distributing free ration kits and providing essential support during every festival, including Holi, Diwali, Eid, Bakrid, and Ramadan.
“Service is the biggest religion,” says Noor Mohammad, whose commitment has not waned even at the age of 59. His efforts go beyond just ration distribution; he has donated blood 40 times and regularly distributes clothes, food, and daily necessities to the destitute across Dungarpur. He also cares for animals and birds, ensuring they have food and water.
“Noor Mohammad does not see anyone’s caste or religion. His heart is open to all,” shares Asrar Ahmed, former minister of state, praising the man whose actions unite communities. Non-Muslim residents of Dungarpur also express deep respect and support for him, showing that goodwill crosses all divides.
“As long as I live, I will continue this service,” Noor Mohammad states firmly, embodying the true spirit of brotherhood in a time when such examples are rare.
At the Mastan Shah Baba Dargah, Noor Mohammad regularly collaborates with government officials, social workers, and local leaders to organise public welfare programmes. His work stands as a shining example in an age where division often dominates headlines.
This story of Noor Mohammad Makrani is a reminder that humanity and kindness can prevail over differences. His life’s work inspires many to see beyond religion and caste and to embrace the shared responsibility to care for the less fortunate.
“Noor Mohammad’s service has helped our family during hard times. His help is given without any conditions,” says Rahim Khan, a beneficiary.
“In these times, it’s rare to find someone who works for all communities alike. He truly represents brotherhood,” remarks Suman Patel, a local Hindu resident.
Noor Mohammad’s journey shows that compassion and dedication can build bridges where others see only walls.
source: http://www.clarionindia.net / Clarion India / Home> India> Indian Muslims / by Mohammad Bin Ismail / July 15th, 2025
On July 10, a significant milestone in Northeast India’s healthcare landscape unfolded as Dr. Parveez Ubed inaugurated the 7th Hub Hospital of ERC Eye Care in Abhayapuri, Bongaigaon district, Assam.
The ceremony represents more than just another hospital opening—it symbolizes the transformative vision of a social entrepreneur who chose to stay in his homeland over greener pastures in metropolitan cities.
Dr. Parveez Ubed’s story begins in Jorhat, Assam, where, after completing his ophthalmology specialization from the Gauhati Medical College in 2007, he decided to change lives.
His classmates left for bigger cities for attractive offers, but Dr. Ubed chose to stay put in Assam to serve his people. His decision was driven by his understanding of the region’s healthcare challenges.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi Presenting an award to Dr Perveez Ubed
His entrepreneurial journey started in June 2011, when he founded ERC Eye Care in a converted kitchen space with just Rs 4 lakhs borrowed from his mother.
What began as a single-man mission has now evolved into a phygital (physical + digital) eye care network spanning across Northeast India with 267 full-time employees and 190 part-time staff.
Dr. Ubed’s venture addresses a critical healthcare gap in Northeast India, where the statistics paint a sobering picture.
Assam has a blindness prevalence of 3.03% against the national average of 1.99%, with an estimated 92% preventable blindness. The World Health Organization reported that 18.8% of Indians suffer from vision impairment due to cataract in Assam alone, making it one of the most affected regions in the country.
Bad roads and difficult terrain, lack of information, poor overall health status, and absence of escorts are barriers that limit access to eye care services in the region.
The beneficiers of Dr Perveez Ubed’s eyecare facilities
With only 0.6 ophthalmologists per 100,000 population in Assam, the doctor-patient ratio represents a massive healthcare infrastructure deficit.
Dr. Ubed’s entrepreneurial genius lies in his innovative hub-and-spoke business model that tackles the three critical healthcare challenges: affordability, accessibility, and availability. The model operates through: Hub Hospitals: (i) Equipped with surgical and diagnostic facilities serving as main centres in Sivasagar (2015), Nagaon, Silchar, Guwahati, Tezpur, Boko (6th hospital, January 2025), and now Abhayapuri (7th hospital, July 2025).
(ii) Spoke Centres: Satellite vision centres and mobile units extending basic eye care to remote areas, bringing services directly to patients’ doorsteps. (iii) Digital Integration: The organization leverages AI and IoT technology through their digital platform erclens.com, making them the world’s first phygital eye care company.
Dr. Perveez Ubed with a patient
Dr. Ubed’s transformation from a medical professional to a successful social entrepreneur showcases remarkable business acumen. “All my nights were spent reading MBA books to find a business plan,” he recalls with characteristic humility.
This self-directed learning was later complemented by formal business education at Stanford University Graduate School of Business (2019-2021), where he completed the Stanford Seed Transformation Programme Certificate.
Dr. Ubed’s work has garnered prestigious recognition, underscoring his impact as a changemaker. He received several awards and recognition in India and abroad.
Dr. Ubed’s vision extends far beyond numbers, though the statistics are impressive: over 1.1 million patients served, 500,000 eyeglasses distributed, and 43,000 cataract surgeries performed. Each figure represents a life transformed, a livelihood restored, and hope renewed.
The organization’s pricing model reflects its social mission: eye consultations for Rs 50, optical retail starting at Rs 99, and cataract surgeries from Rs 3,500. Studies referenced by ERC indicate that good vision can increase incomes by 30% and productivity by 25%, making eye care not just a medical intervention but an economic empowerment tool.
Dr. Parveez Ubed
Dr. Ubed’s forward-thinking approach incorporates artificial intelligence, machine learning, and IoT technologies to create scalable healthcare solutions. The digital platform erclens.com offers teleconsultation services, online appointments, and home eye testing, making ERC a pioneer in tech-enabled healthcare delivery for underserved markets. The organization’s expansion plans extend beyond India to Southeast Asia and Africa, positioning ERC as a global model for affordable healthcare delivery.
Dr. Parveez Ubed stands as living proof that one person’s commitment to serve can illuminate the path for millions. In a world where success is often measured by personal wealth, Dr. Ubed has chosen a different metric—the number of people who can see clearly enough to dream again, work productively, and live with dignity.
His story reminds us that true entrepreneurship lies not in creating unicorns, but in nurturing phoenixes—taking communities from the ashes of neglect and helping them rise to their full potential.
As thousands more patients walk through the doors of this new hospital in Abhayapuri, they will not just be receiving medical treatment; they will be touching the legacy of a man who saw beyond the obvious, dreamed beyond the conventional, and dared to stay when leaving would have been easier.
In the annals of social entrepreneurship, Dr. Parveez Ubed’s name will be etched not just as a successful businessman but as a visionary who gave vision to the visually impaired and hope to the hopeless, proving that sometimes, the greatest journey is not about going far but about going deep into the heart of what truly matters.
The author is the former DGP of the Assam Police
source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Stories / by Pallab Bhattacharyya / July 17th, 2025
Prof. Bilqis Bano to receive Lifetime Achievement Award, Dr. Raouf Khair to be honoured with Allama Iqbal Award.
New Delhi:
An important meeting of the Global Urdu Day Awards Committee (organised by the Global Urdu Day Organising Committee) was held under the chairmanship of senior journalist Jalaluddin at Daryaganj here.
The awards jury included Dr. Syed Ahmed Khan, Ashraf Ali Bastavi (Chief Editor, Asia Times, New Delhi), Suhail Anjum (former correspondent, Voice of America), and Javed Akhtar (Editor, D.W. Urdu, Germany, Delhi Bureau).
As per tradition, the awardees for the upcoming Global Urdu Day on 9 November 2025 have been selected.
The recipients are Prof. Bilqis Bano (Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Life Sciences, Aligarh Muslim University) – Lifetime Achievement Award; Dr. Raouf Khair (Hyderabad) – Allama Muhammad Iqbal Award for Literature; Prof. Kauser Mazhari (Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi) – Mirza Ghalib Award for Poetry; Prof. Zehra Khatoon (Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi) – Maulana Ali Mian Award for Urdu-Persian Language; Dr. Aqeel Ahmad (Secretary, Ghalib Academy, New Delhi) – Maulana Abdul Majid Daryabadi Award for Language and Literature; K.L. Narang Saqi (New Delhi) – Kunwar Mahendra Singh Bedi Award for Literature; Yaseen Momin (Mumbai) – Qazi Mohammad Adeel Abbasi Award for Promotion of Urdu Language; Syeda Talat Nasreen (TN Bharti, New Delhi) – Noor Jahan Sarwat Award for Journalism; Syed Zubair (Muslim Mirror, New Delhi) – Maulana Usman Farqaleet Award for Journalism; Maulana Abdul Hameed Numani (New Delhi) – Maulana Sanaullah Amritsari Award for Column Writing; Abdul Mannan (Editor, Yojana Urdu, New Delhi) – Maulana Mohammad Muslim Award for Journalism; Jamshed Khan (Aaj Tak, New Delhi) – Ameen Sayani Award for Electronic Media; Saurabh Shukla (Red Manak, New Delhi) – Pandit Devnarayan Pandey Award for Journalism; Abid Anwar (UNI Urdu, New Delhi) – Mahfuzur Rahman Award for Journalism; Shohrat Ansari (Khalilabad, U.P.) – Imdad Sabri Award for Journalism; Hafeezur Rahman (Sharq Adeel, Marahra, Etah District, U.P.) – Ismail Merathi Award for Poetry; Mohammad Yamin Zaki (Editor, Hilal, Rampur) – Dr. Zakir Hussain Award for Children’s Literature; Farooq Ahmad (Doordarshan, Delhi) – Ilmat Yasin Award for Promotion of Urdu; Prof. Dr. Ziaur Rahman Siddiqui (Aligarh) – Mazharuddin Khan Award for Teaching; Master Iqbal Ahmad (Former Headmaster, Jamia Middle School, New Delhi) – Maqbool Ahmad Siddiqui Award for Best Teacher; Prof. Abdul Majid Mohammad Siddiq Siddiqui (Malegaon) – Maulana Azad Award for National Integration; Prof. Khalid Mubashshir (Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi) – Hafeez Merathi Award for Naat Poetry; Dr. Ibrahim Afsar (Meerut) – Naseeruddin Hashmi Award for Urdu Research; Dr. Azeer Ahmad (Islampur, West Bengal) – Maulvi Abdul Haq Award for Literature; Dr. Nihal Nazim (Moradabad) – Dr. Abul Faiz Usmani Award for Promotion of Literature; Dr. Abu Saad Asari (Jhanda Nagar, Nepal) – Indo-Nepal Friendship Award; and Hidayat Publications, New Delhi (Syed Abul A’la Subhani) – Munshi Naval Kishore Award for Publishing.
Dr. Syed Ahmed Khan, the convener of the Global Urdu Day Organising Committee, expressed hope that the selected awardees will continue to play a significant role in the promotion of the Urdu language.
source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Pride of the Nation> Awards> Latest News / by Radiance News Bureau / July 15th, 2025
Inquilab and Mid-Day founder Abdul Hamid Ansari is an inspiration not just for journalists but millions of youngsters … A special report by Siraj Ali Quadri.
Indian journalist and Muslim nationalist Abdul Hamid Ansari founded Inquilab, an Urdu daily in Mumbai in l937. The newspaper soon became a landmark in Urdu journalism which caught the attention of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan. But when Jinnah asked Ansari to come to Karachi to publish the newspaper in the new country, Ansari said that he would prefer to live in India like the many million Muslims who would rather stay in the country than join Jinnah. Those who joined Jinnah undoubtedly left everything behind. Some flourished while others got established. But that’s another story, which has never ended since l947.
Today’s story is about the veteran journalist, publisher and businessman Khalid A.H. Ansari, son of Abdul Hameed. After passing out from St. Xavier’s in Mumbai, Khalid did his master’s at Stanford University in the US.
Khalid returned to Mumbai to establish Sportsweek, a weekly sports magazine, which became a huge success soon after its launch. The magazine’s immediate success can be attributed to the fact that its founder was himself an excellent sportsman and did a great job with the magazine, in addition to his father’s paper Inquilab.
Meanwhile, the idea came to launch India’s first daily tabloid, Mid-Day, which he modelled in many ways after the English tabloids from Fleet Street. During the planning phase of their new venture, he spent hours discussing it with staff and mulled over its format to ensure success, especially since there were already two eveningers in Mumbai, one by The Times of India and the other by the Indian Express. Both suffered from a lack of innovation to attract large numbers of readers. So when Mid-Day appeared with a new face and content, the two old ones just collapsed. Although the ToI eveninger protested the pace of time for a while, it eventually perished as it had already become obsolete.
Mid-Day became a resounding success, with many comparing it to the British Daily Mirror and Daily Mail. However, being an Indian tabloid, it was much quieter and a whole lot more civilized, without the British fondness for nudity and sex, and nonsensical stories of stupidity.
Khalid was helped by his wife, Rukaya. She was very active on the administrative side and contributed to the editorial content and layout, which helped the paper sustain itself in the demanding market of Mumbai. She knew what was going on in the office and in the newspaper that was fast becoming India’s flagship eveninger.
Meanwhile, Khalid accepted an offer to become editor-in-chief of the Dubai-based Khaleej Times, and handed over the paper to his son, Tariq. After a few years in Dubai, Khalid returned to Mumbai and launched Mid-Day in Bangalore and Delhi and a regional Gujarati version for millions of Gujaratis in the country.
He has been involved in various programmes with the Indian government during conferences in Delhi and New York, launching and editing newspapers, and was awarded the Padma Shri in 2001 while continuing to play and write about his old passion, cricket.
Writing about his eveninger, Khalid says, “Mid-Day is a light-hearted, easy-to-read, entertaining, and ‘naughty’ paper that now has a new purpose which is to make work fun. Gives young professionals an entertaining newsbreak. The focus is on young, urban, mobile professionals across India and the company is leaving no stone unturned to engage with them. Today’s workplace’s fast-paced work style and crazy deadlines are full of stress and pressure. Mid-Day as a brand believes in spreading the message of reducing stress and making work fun.”
“What’s on, a host of addictive, fun sections like Hit List Crosswords, Horoscopes, and Fun at Work ensure that the newspaper remains a welcome diversion for young professionals,” he adds.
Khalid’s Sportsweek later was shut down with the television boom making it hard to garner advertisements and interest. Khalid has also published his memoir (It’s A Wonderful World) and continues to inspire a stream of journalists apart from various generations to keep the boat afloat and touch new heights.
(The Author is Journalist & associated with Dainik Bhaskar)
source: http://www.asianlite.com / Asian Lite / Home / by Siraj Ali Quadri / October 10th, 2022
