By: Dr. Rushda Shaheen
Recently, I had the honour of being awarded the first-ever Naseem Arfi Urdu Media Award—an initiative of the Hyderabad-based non-profit organisation, CETI Foundation. Along with me, three other journalists received this recognition. Given that the Foundation’s work is primarily concentrated in the state of Telangana, the awards were divided into two categories: two for journalists from Telangana and two for those from other parts of India.
In the Telangana category, the award was presented to senior journalists Syed Sajjadul Hasnain and Mohammed Arshad, both of whom have been associated with Urdu journalism for over three decades. From outside Telangana, the award was conferred upon Md. Zakariya, a young fact-checker from Bihar, and me. In addition, veteran multilingual journalist Qurban Ali, based in Delhi, was honoured with a ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’ in recognition of his outstanding contributions to journalism.
A reputable panel of senior journalists, journalism educators, and intellectuals selected the recipients, according to the CETI Foundation. The selection was based on multiple parameters. Applications were invited in October 2024, asking candidates to submit a 500–800-word essay reflecting their personal vision and thoughts on media diversity. Applicants were also required to share an updated resume highlighting their academic background, journalistic work experience, and key achievements, along with at least five published pieces or multimedia links showcasing their journalistic skills and creativity.
Each awardee received a cash prize of ₹15,000 and a certificate of recognition. The awards have been established in memory of the distinguished Urdu journalist late Naseem Arfi, who dedicated over 50 years to the service and promotion of Urdu journalism. CETI Foundation intends to continue these awards annually for the next ten years.
The award ceremony was held on April 12, 2025, at the auditorium of the Telangana State Union of Working Journalists in Fateh Maidan, Abids, Hyderabad. It was attended by prominent figures from journalism and other walks of life. Due to some domestic compulsions, I could not attend the event — something I will always regret. Since I couldn’t express my thoughts in person, I felt the best way to do so would be through this column.
I have no words to express my gratitude to the CETI Foundation and its guiding force, Syed Basharath Ali. I’m still a newcomer in the field of journalism, basically a student of Urdu literature. Studying literature doesn’t spontaneously make one a journalist. Good journalism demands more than command over language—it requires mentorship, consistent practice, and a deep sense of inquiry.
While working on my PhD thesis in the early years of this decade, I often felt that many critical insights from my research deserve to reach a wider audience. The topic of my thesis was quite interesting — it involved studying various aspects of the Partition of India as depicted in Urdu autobiographies. Whenever I submitted articles based on this research to Urdu magazines for publication, the usual response was that they could not publish them. Since most Urdu magazines in the country are run by government institutions, topics like partition—especially when approached from a neutral perspective—are somewhat taboo. Some editors even suggested I write about other topics and assured me of publication if I did so.
Therefore, layers of gatekeeping often buried those important findings from my thesis, which should have reached a broader readership. That period felt like walking through a tunnel with no light at the end. It was during this time that I discussed my frustration with my fiancé (now husband), himself a journalist. He guided me and helped me understand how to write for digital media platforms.
Although I had studied Urdu journalism as a subject during my master’s in Urdu, I didn’t fully grasp its practical aspects. This gap made me hesitant to step into the field. With my husband’s encouragement, I finally wrote my first feature story in August 2022 for Independent Urdu, based on accounts from my research—stories of individuals who saved lives during Partition without discrimination, upholding the flag of humanity amidst bloody violence.
Readers responded very well to this feature story, which greatly encouraged me. Independent Urdu later offered me a formal arrangement, with honorariums for each piece that pleasantly surprised me. The common belief is that Urdu journalism pays poorly, but my experience proved otherwise. If one associates with a quality publication and aligns with its editorial standards, fair compensation is certainly possible. I remain grateful to the editors of Independent Urdu for providing both a platform and the opportunity to hone my craft.
So, what does the Naseem Arfi Urdu Media Award mean to me? It’s not just an honour—it’s a reassurance that I’m moving in the right direction. Although motherhood kept me away from writing for some time, this award feels like a booster dose, reminding me that my work has value. After all, a jury of senior journalists and educators wouldn’t have chosen my name if they hadn’t seen merit in my work.
Feature writing is not widely practiced in Urdu journalism. I try to cover all aspects of a story and include diverse perspectives in each feature. There’s always room for improvement, and I remain committed to growing further. Just as I benefited from guidance, I hope to support others so that feature writing can flourish in Urdu media.
Before I wrap-up, it’s important to remember the person in whose name this award was established. Late Naseem Arfi stands as a beacon for us budding journalists, especially when it comes to dedication and consistency. In today’s times, many give up and change fields quickly, but Arfi Sahab’s life is a lesson in unwavering passion and commitment to Urdu journalism. He began his career in the 1960s with Siasat, later contributing significantly to Munsif and Etemaad, helping shape the modern contours of Urdu journalism.
In closing, I extend heartfelt thanks to everyone who made this award possible—especially Syed Basharath Ali, who, despite his many responsibilities, continues to champion the cause of Urdu journalism. His efforts can inspire a whole new generation. Honouring Naseem Arfi this way is not only beautiful but also deeply meaningful.
As Prof. Basharath aptly puts it, the Naseem Arfi Urdu Media Award is a token of recognition for journalists who stand by truth, integrity, and diversity—and at the same time, it’s a sincere effort to elevate the standards of Urdu journalism.
Dr. Rushda Shaheen is a journalist and researcher based in New Delhi.