Inspiring societal change

“The media must be bold and truthful. It must audaciously uphold the truth and not just apprise but educate and reform the society”, emphasised the newly appointed High Commissioner of India to Seychelles Dr Ausaf Sayeed.

Addressing the gathering of intellectuals recently during the launch of the book ‘Sach Toh Magar Kehne Do’ (But.. Let Truth Be Told) - a concise collection of editorials written in Urdu by veteran journalist Dr Syed Fazil Hussain Parvez, the High Commissioner pointed out that Urdu was so prevalent and important in erstwhile era that even Jawaharlal Nehru’s wedding card and the FIR of Mahatma Gandhi’s assassination were in Urdu language.

The launch ceremony was organised under the aegis of Media Plus and Gawah Urdu Weekly, which was presided over by Prof SA Shukoor, Director-Secretary Urdu Academy while under the patronage of Syed Vicaruddin, editor of nonagenarian Urdu daily Rahnuma-e-Deccan.

Speaking on the occasion, the author pointed out the challenges in speaking and essaying the truth. He observed that “while truth ultimately triumphs, relations including family and social ties are usually severed after truth is told. But whoever unfolds the truth experiences a unique feeling of satisfaction that is both abysmal and unparalleled, and cannot be achieved by any other means.”

Prof Shukoor lauded the author’s efforts and appreciated his choice of editorial topics, the expressive clarity of editorials, and the unique character of the book. He said that the book is important for bringing societal changes and must be read by the younger generation too.

President of Bazm-e-Itte had Jeddah, Yousufuddin Amjad along with Dr MA Waheed and Zafar Javeed were present. The book is a concise compilation of select 125 editorials.

The title page is an artful masterpiece painted by Hyderabadi artist of international repute, Fawad Tamkanath, a canvas painting of which adorns a private collection in Switzerland and another at the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport. It is made of 485 pages and costs Rs 350. It is available for purchase from the office of Gawah Urdu Weekly, and Huda Publishers.