Tag Archives: Mohammed Naushad Khan

AMU Alumna Asiya Islam Appointed Assistant Professor at The London School of Economics

Aligarh, UTTAR PRADESH / London, U.K :

Asiya Islam

New Delhi : 

In a significant development, Dr Asiya Islam, an alumna of Women’s College, Aligarh Muslim University, has been appointed Assistant Professor as a permanent faculty at the Department of Gender Studies, London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), London.

Retd. Professor Kaniz Khwaja Ahmed, who had taught Asiya Islam, Communicative English at Women’s College, told India Tomorrow, “I remember her as an ideal student as I taught her long back. Of all the students, I have taught so far, she stands out as the most ideal student. Although the subject I used to teach her was elementary, used in our daily life conversation, she always took it very seriously. She was very regular, attentive and punctual. In her, I saw the spark to achieve something in her life. I hope she still remembers me. We all are proud of her achievement and wish all the best for her career ahead.”

Before joining LSE Gender Studies, she was a Lecturer in Gender and Work at the University of Leeds. Before that, I was a Junior Research Fellow at Newnham College, University of Cambridge. In these positions, I taught on feminist global political economy, Black feminist theory, and intersectionality.

Asiya completed her PhD in Sociology at the University of Cambridge, her MSc in Gender, Media and Culture at the London School of Economics, and her BA(Hons) in Communicative English at Aligarh Muslim University.

Another teacher Professor Nikhat Taj, who also taught Asiya, said, “Asiya, indeed has made us very proud. Her achievement comes as no surprise for she had been a meritorious/promising student. She excelled not only in academics but was an ace performer in extra-curricular activities as well. She won the Zakir Hussain Medal for Academic Excellence at the undergraduate level, and that was just the beginning of her success story. I recall her as a diligent and committed worker, who would fulfil (most satisfactorily) any task, or project either given to her or taken up by herself.”

Professor Nikhat added, “Her appointment as an associate professor at the London School of Economics is just another step for many other achievements to come her way in the future. I see her as an inspiration and a role model for all the students of AMU – her alma mater.”

 AMU Vice-Chancellor Prof Naima Khatoon, who was earlier Principal of Women’s College, while congratulating Dr. Asiya Islam on her achievement, said, “Asiya’s appointment at the London School of Economics will encourage our students to pursue higher studies abroad and work hard to make an academic career in prestigious foreign universities.”

source: http://www.indiatomorrow.net / India Tomorrow / Home> Education / by Mohammed Naushad Khan / September 16th, 2024

Press Club of India remembers Maulvi Mohammed Baqar, the doyen of India’s investigative journalism

DELHI :

Press Club of India remembers Maulvi Mohammed Baqar on his 167th birthday on September 15, 2024.

New Delhi :

The Press Club of India (PCI) that has remained the last bastion to hold the flag of media’s independence high in the country, organised a programme on Sunday to remember the contributions of Maulvi Mohammed Baqar who used the power of his pen to challenge the Britishers who had brought a law to gag the press in India in the middle of 18th century.

Organized on the 167th martyrdom anniversary of Maulvi Baqar, the programme was attended by a host of writers, journalists, historians, academicians and intellectuals.

Shedding light on the contributions of Maulvi Baqar considered to be the founder of “spot” and investigative journalism in India, noted historian Dr. Swapna Liddle, author of The Broken Script, recalled Maulvi Baqar’s bold reporting of the events in Delhi’s 1857 revolt popularly known as India’s First War of Independence. It was when the press did not have facilities as available today, but Maulvi Baqar used to collect news stories from the field and print them in his newspaper published in the Urdu language.

The Britishers felt disturbed by the investigative reporting of Maulvi Baqar that became the reason for his martyrdom. British Army tied Maulvi Baqar to the mouth of a large gun and blew him into pieces.

Liddle emphasized how Moulvi Baqar became the voice of resistance against British rule, making him a significant figure in both the 1857Revolt and in the annals of Indian journalism.

According to Dr. Liddle, Moulvi Baqar’s work offers invaluable lessons for journalists today. His views on British governance, racial discrimination, job inequalities, and the exploitation of India’s wealth laid a foundation that remains relevant. Baqar’s sharp critique of British policies, combined with his unwavering call for unity among the people of Delhi, positioned him as a crucial figure in the anti-colonial struggle.

Presiding over the event, Gautam Lahiri, PCI President, hailed Moulvi Baqar as a pioneer of Indian journalism. Lahiri reflected on the state of modern journalism, pointing out that Baqar’s dedication and principles serve as a stark contrast to the current state of media, as reflected in India’s declining position on the World Media Freedom Index.

“It’s unfortunate that instead of rising to the level of journalism Baqar practiced, we seem to have regressed,” Lahiri noted, calling for introspection within the media industry.

Lahiri also stressed the importance of protecting institutions like the PCI, which he described as a cornerstone of Indian politics and modern history. “This land was given to us by our first prime minister, and it even served as the residence of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi for a time. We must protect both the building and the institution, while upholding the constitutional values that it stands for.”

Senior journalist AU Asif, former member of PCI management committee, praised Baqar for his trailblazing work in investigative and field reporting. He underscored how Baqar’s journalistic integrity set a lasting example for future generations.

A panel discussion followed, focusing on Baqar’s legacy and the challenges faced by Urdu journalism today. Panelists included independent multimedia journalist Suhail Akhter, News18 Urdu anchor and author Munazah Shah, and Tasleem Raja, reporter for Siyasi Taqdeer and Qauwmi Aawaz. They discussed how Baqir’s newspaper, Delhi Urdu Akhbar, became a vital voice despite having a modest circulation of just 80 copies. The panel emphasized that the publication’s influence stemmed from its powerful content, which resonated with readers during a time of great political upheaval.

The discussion also touched on the difficulties Urdu journalism faces today, including issues of subscription, funding, and content creation. The panel drew parallels between the courage Moulvi Baqar exhibited in standing up to the British and the challenges modern journalists face in dissenting against the ruling establishment. The event was moderated by Mahtab Alam, journalist and PCI Joint Secretary.

source: http://www.indiatomorrow.net / India Tomorrow / Home> News / by Mohammed Naushad Khan / September 16th, 2024