Distinguished writer and poet Prof. Malikzada Manzoor told that Maulana Abul Azad National Urdu University can’t be anything other than the true realization of the dreams of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad. At the same time it is also the fulfillment of the dreams of all the Urdu speakers of India.
He expressed these thoughts at the University’s Lucknow campus on the occasion of Al-Hilal Centenary Celebrations organized by UP Press Club in Lucknow.
Noted Urdu writer and poet, Prof. Shaarib Rudowlvi presided over this function. Presenting the key note address, Prof. Malik Zada Manzoor said that he himself has visited the main campus of Maulana Azad National Urdu University at Hyderabad. He has inspected various departments and offices of the University. He had also met the teachers and the students. He can therefore, say with confidence based on his observation that the progress Urdu University has made within a short span of time is unparalleled.
He further told that “Al-Hilal” on one hand encompassed international issues and on the other side, it represented national feelings and emotions. Maulana Azad wanted to include the Muslims into the Indian national mainstream taking them out of their inferiority complex. He wanted to transform the fear and despair of the unsuccessful First World War into a pleasant future. He told that Maulana Azad was a vast hearted person theoretically and ideologically.
He completely altered the attitude of journalism which was confined to news reporting. In this way, Al-Hilal is not a newspaper, it is a views paper. He congratulated the authorities of Lucknow Regional Centre of Urdu University whotook the step of celebrating the Centenary of Al-Hilal.
Prof. Mohammed . Prof. Zafaruddin, Co-ordinator of Lucknow Center told that it is a welcome gesture that the Al-Hilal Centenary Celebrations are being launched from the land of Lucknow. He hoped that in many parts of the country, these celebrations will be held and conferences, seminars and literary functions would be organized.
He termed Al-Hilal as the representative of Indian politics and journalism. He told that the main objective of Al-Hilal was to inculcate national awareness and to get freedom. He said that Mualana Azad used to consider journalism as a means of social service and a mission. He was not in favour of commercialization of journalism.
Prof. Mohammed Zafaruddin also presented the introduction of Maulana Azad National Urdu University and told that this University is meant for Urdu. He also gave a brief account of Urdu University’s Model School where no fees is charged from the students.
Prof. Shah Abdus Salam told that Al-Hilal brought credibility to journalism. For the first time attention was paid to beautify the appearance of the Urdu newspaper. He further told that Maulana Azad didn’t accept any external pressure for guiding the Muslims of India.
Dr. Abdul Quddoos, incharge of Lucknow campus of Urdu University welcomed the guests and the audience. He told that the services Maulana Azad rendered to journalism, literature and politics are unforgettable in the history of Indian journalism which can’t be denied.
The function was started with the recitation of the Quranic verses by Dr. Sayeed bin Mukhashin. Dr. Umair Manzar conducted the meeting. Dr. Afroz Hyder Rizvi, Assistant Director, Regional Centre of Urdu University at Lucknow proposed vote of thanks.
——Siasat News