Patna: Talat Nazneen Zakia has secured first position in Intermediate examination 2009 in Bihar, and thus has become pride not only for his family but her educationally backward community also – the community whose male are more educated than female.
Talat of Nalanda Mahila Inter College in Bihar Shareef got 399 out of 500 marks, that is 79.8%. She has got No. 1 position in entire Bihar in Arts stream. Third child of her late businessman father, Talat now wants to become an IAS officer. Earlier she wanted to go to banking sector.
In a brief telephonic chat she talks about her study, family and future plan:
How do you feel about the success?
I am very glad. I can’t explain my happiness over this success.
Preparation for intermediate examination
I did self-study, read about 6 to 8 hours daily. After matriculation, I vowed to do something special in Intermediate. I really worked hard.
Family
Father was businessman, mother is homemaker, eldest brother works as computer operator in registry office, and elder one did I.Com this year.
Support from family
My family gave me full support: my elder brother supported me a lot
Future plan
Earlier I wanted to opt for Banking sector or civil services. Now I want to concentrate on civil services. I want to become an IAS officer.
Message to girls
Girls should not think inferior to boys, that they will always lag boys. With determination and hard work they can leave boys behind and do far better in life.
Muslims in India including religious leaders, journalists, intellectuals, and social activists have on an average responded positively to US President Barack Obama’s Cairo speech to the Muslim World. They hope this will help in bringing peace in the world. Many however, are not happy as he did not regret the killings of millions of people in Iraq and Afghanistan in the US-led war on terror. TwoCircles.net reporters: Mumtaz in New Delhi, Abdul Hameed in Mumbai, Najiya O. in Kochi and Mudassir Rizwan in Patna talked to Muslims to get their views on Obama’s historic speech.
New Delhi
Maulana Abdul Hameed Nomani, Asst. General Secretary, Jamiat Ulema-I-Hind:
The tone and language of the speech of American President Barack Obama and his stress on certain issues are very different from that of his predecessors. His views on various issues have given more hope to people. His support of statehood of Palestine, his promise to withdraw American forces from Iraq by 2012, his announcement that America is ready for unconditional talks with Iran and his promise for education of Muslim students in America – all these things have raised much hope in people.
But it is to be seen how he and his country are going to actualize his statement and how the Muslim World will take them.
Dr Zafarul Islam Khan, President, All India Muslim Majlise Mushawarat:
It’s a good beginning. It’s a marked departure from the policies of former President George W Bush. Though we have some reservations about what he said or what he did not say, still it’s a very good beginning and we would like to see what action follows this nice speech delivered in Cairo which is in a way a central place of Islam.
Some positive points in his speech: he has said there is no war between America and Islam, which is a very good thing. This is going to give a message to certain elements in the American society which has used Bush’s ‘crusade’ to put pressure on Muslims. He has talked about withdrawal of American troops from Iraq. He has also promised that American troops will leave Afghanistan as soon as there is peace.
But I am not very much pleased that he did not say even a word for the victims of America’s war on terror (over a million people killed in Iraq, over 5 million made refugees there). Similar devastations have taken place in Afghanistan. He should have said something on that also. Likewise he did not talk about the uncalled for Israeli aggression over Gaza.
Dr Syed Qasim Rasool Ilyas, Member, Central Advisory Council, Jamaat-e-Islami Hind
It was a clear departure from Mr Bush’s position that whoever is supporting us is with us, otherwise they are with our enemies. It is a good message to the Islamic World. But simultaneously he has tried to do a balancing act. He has defended American position when it comes to Afghanistan. He said America was forced to go to Afghanistan, and that is justification of Bush’s act.
On Palestine issue, though he has supported statehood of Palestine but has not made clear how it is going to be a reality and what role America is going to play for the same.
On nuclear race he has taken a good position. He said he supports nuclear disarmament, and wants to see a world free of nuclear arms.
Navaid Hamid, Secretary, South Asian Council for Minorities:
Fascinating would be right compliment. Fascinating in terms of his clear perception for perusing and safeguarding traditional American interest and opening a window of opportunity and hope for committing to share America's emerging avenues of co-operation with Muslims of the world. His clear message to Muslim was Americans’ non-negotiable relations with Israel with assurance of a separate state for Palestine.
The second important message he has conveyed is non-negotiable stand of American led powers on Iranians nuclear issue. In one line he created bottom line for American stand as far as Israel and Iranian nuclear issue is concerned.
If he really has priorities for democratisation of Isalmic societies, Muslims need to understand whether American establishment has made up its mind for emergence of forces against American allies in Egypt, Gulf, and in Central Asia.
It seems as he was addressing the tyrants of the Muslim countries when he spoke about democratisation of societies, empowerment of women, rights of minorities. No Muslim can individually do anything for all these three issues until rulers of the Muslim nations allow their participation, which seems to be near to impossible in near future.
Shaghil Bilali, journalist (Mail Today):
I think this is a very positive speech by an American president after a long time. He spoke wholeheartedly about the solution of isolation between the US and Islam. He also went on to praising Muslims’ inventions and their contribution to the world civilization.
Obama said, “It was Islam at places like Al-Azhar that carried the light of learning through so many centuries, paving the way for Europe's renaissance and enlightenment.”
He added, “And throughout history, Islam has demonstrated through words and deeds the possibilities of religious tolerance and racial equality.”
Considering the importance of this speech and time, Muslim world should respect his words without smelling any conspiracy theory. But at the same time, Obama should make sure that these do not remain just personal feelings of the US president and also not a mere masterpiece work of a literary artist. But, these are the words of whole US administration and they will execute their sayings considerably.
Secondly, when US is talking to maintain warm relationships with the Muslim nations, they should be very careful in their works, e.g. their peace missions in countries like Afghanistan and Iraq. US should make sure that their actions will only be restricted to the welfare of those countries and there should not be the incidents where ‘hundreds of Afghan people lost their lives because US military forces made errors in carrying out airstrikes in Afghanistan’. On other hand, Muslim nations should also work on to curb those extremist forces within their communities, which are irrationally misguiding Muslims after spreading hatred against US. They should make sure that if one side of world is extending hand of friendship they should be equally cordial to receive it. We will only get the solution of isolation only when both sides are seriously working about it.
Mumbai
The speech of Obama to the Islamic World overall has been welcomed by the Muslim leaders in Maharashtra. Muslims here have high expectations from him.
‘The approach of Obama towards the Islamic world, as expressed in his speech, is a good omen as regards the relations between the Islamic world and the West especially America. We welcome it. His attitude, contrary to former US presidents, towards the Islamic world should be adulated. Bush even has said that America was fighting a ‘Saleebi Jang’ (crusade). Bush has done bloodshed and torture on Muslims in the disguise of establishing peace but we hope that Obama will not step into his feet. We pray that the lobby prepared by Clinton and Bush let him work for the good cause.’
Maulana Sayyid Athar Ali, President, All India Ulama Association:
‘Overall, we welcome the speech of Obama. He is the first person to have spoken frankly about Islam, Muslims and terrorism. We are happy that he has set a deadline of 2012 to remove his army from Iraq. As a matter of fact the existence of both the Israel and Palestine are a reality. None of them can be removed. We should work out a solution to the issue geographically. The approach of Obama, as evident from his speech, in this regard is good. We also welcome his statement that the Christians and the Muslims should work together because it is exactly as per the teachings of the religion. However, we are disappointed that he did say nothing about the innocent killings in Afghanistan and Iraq. Had he said something (regretted on) about those killings it would had sent a better message. Only a speech cannot console those who lost their dearest and nearest ones in the battles. In words he said nothing rigid about Iran (but he gave indirect warning to it regarding nuclear weapons). He should have given the same (indirect) warning to North Korea too.’
Kochi
Sadiqali Shihab Thangal, Former State President, Muslim Youth League:
The speech of US President Barak Obama seems very hopeful. It is a matter of great relief that the American President is trying to understand Islam. The Muslim world is happy that the American President has an unambiguous knowledge of Islam when the global media spreads misconceptions about Islam. This speech is supposed to influence the future policies of the US government towards the Muslim world. The former governments in the country followed a hardcore pro-Jewish attitude. However, Obama has come forward to acknowledge the existence of Palestine. This change in the policies followed by the US is indeed welcome.
O. Abdulla, Veteran journalist:
President Barak Husain Obama’s Cairo speech includes all the ingredients for the Jew-Zionist lobby to call him Maulana Obama. Extreme confidence is not good in any matter. But at the same time, it is not right to approach everything from an angle of disappointment. I don’t think that anybody else in his place could have said more than what Obama has said in Cairo. As he said, change will not come by a single speech. But, what he did not care for in his speech was that the problems between the Muslim world and the US did not begin by 9/11. Obama’s foreign policy does not go side by side with his speech. The relevance of the speech lies in how well he can put it into practice, overpowering the plots of the Jewish lobby and the Zionists.
A.P. Abdul Qader Moulavi, Secretary, Kerala Nadvathul Mujahideen:
We welcome Barak Obama’s speech. It is for the good of all that a peaceful situation prevails in West Asia. Obama’s speech and approach show a good sign. However, let us wait and see what happens.
E.M. Abdurahman, Popular Front of India:
Barak Obama is the head of a system. We will have to wait and see if the change in the voice of the head will reflect in the system. The change in the voice need not essentially be a change in the policy. But we hope it marks a change in the policy towards the Muslim world.
It is welcome that Obama has decided to withdraw the forces from Iraq. But at the same time he has also said that the epicenter of terrorism has shifted to Afghanisthan. So, it is only a shift of forces from Iraq to Afghan. This shows that America is still not ready to leave the Muslim world decide its own fate.
America should recognize that it is only one among the 200+ nations in the world. It should acknowledge that it is neither superior nor inferior to any other country. This aspect should be applicable in all matters including the nuclear issue. Iran too has the right to develop and utilize nuclear energy for its own needs. America should work cordially with all nations of the world. But, Obama has mentioned nothing in this regard in his speech. Unless such a message comes, we can’t hope for a major change in the US policy. However, let us hope that the welcome change of voice will reflect in the policies too.
Dr. Hussain Madavoor, General Secretary, Indian Islahi Movement
As his first speech in the Middle East, Obama’s speech in Cairo creates a lot of hope. Obama became a totally different American President by advocating a Palestinian State. He said that a Palestine state should be there along with the State of Israel. Obama also talked about Islam. He said that Islam is not about terrorism, but rather peace. What is important is that he has said so. What comes in practice can only be known later. It has been more than 100 days since Obama took office as the President of America. All this time in office, he had not mentioned about his Muslim background. But in Cairo, he spoke of his background also. All these show a positive sign and let us welcome it.
Dr.Hussain Madavoor
Kanthapuram A.P. Aboobacker Musliyar, Samastha Kerala Jam’iyyathul Ulema (A.P. faction)
US President Barak Obama’s speech in Cairo was historic and providing a lot of hopes to the world, especially the Islamic world. The former President George W. Bush spoke of waging a Crusade after 9/11. But, Obama has spoken about peace, like none of the former Presidents. Obama expressed his readiness for unconditional talks with Iran, retaining the friends in the Middle East. This shows that he looks forward to good relations. This is a clear change from the policy of George Bush that considered Iran as one among the axis of evil.
Kanthapuram AP Aboobakker Musliyar
Further, Obama has said that Israel should stop its settlements in the Palestinian areas. He has emphasized on the two-nation theory and asked to follow the Road Map. This is very relevant in the present circumstances when the misery of Palestine is not acknowledged as misery by the western media, when Israel is not ready even for UN discussions on the issue. The State of Israel is a reality. The Hamas and Palestinians should admit it.
Anybody can speak. But what is important is the transformation of words into action. Obama’s sincerity in his speech can be understood only by further action on his words.
O. Abdurahman, editor, 'Madhyamam' daily
When he was elected the President of the United States, Barak Obama said he had come with change. And that is what he repeated in the speeches afterwards. He always said that he would change US relations with the Muslim world. The visit to the Middle East and the speech in Cairo were a part of the change.
O.Abdurahman
The economic meltdown and the war in Iraq have affected the US very badly. The help and cooperation of the Muslim countries is very essential for it to come out of this grave crisis. So, Obama seriously wants to better relations. He said that the US does not plan to stay forever in Afghanisthan or to make the country a military base. He added that the US forces will completely be withdrawn from Iraq in 2012. Furthermore, the President expressed his wish to have good relations with Iran. But the basis for all problems with the Muslim world is the Palestine issue. Obama advocates a two-nation theory in the matter. Israel does not agree to this. Still, Obama’s repeated declaration of the two-nation formula can be seen as a way to force out Israeli support.
The Jewish-Israeli lobby is sure to vehemently oppose this. If that opposition is not overpowered, the speech will remain as a mere speech.
M.I. Thangal, editor, 'Chandrika' daily
Obama’s speech shows a voice of reconciliation. His mention of Iran and Palestine makes one think that he wishes for a change. He has used an entirely different tone from that of his predecessors.
Chennai
A. Faizur Rahman, construction engineer and peace activist:
“An amazing speech. But Obama was not fair in seeking a commitment to non-violence from the Palestinians alone. This was perhaps the only glaring omission in his speech. He talked about the violent acts of Hamas but refused to condemn Israel for its Gaza offensive which killed more than 1500 innocent Palestinians including children. Obama is willing to strike the Israelis but afraid to wound.”
A. Faizur Rahman made this statement in the US Consulate in Chennai where he was one of the few special invitees to witness the Obama speech live.
"But all of us must recognize that education and innovation will be the currency of the 21st century, and in too many Muslim communities there remains underinvestment in these areas. I am emphasizing such investments within my country." I think Muslims must focus on this statement of Obama.
Patna
Maulana Anisur Rahman Quasmi, General Secretary, Imarat Shariah, Bihar
His speech is very good. But America has committed sin by killing innocents. If Obama regrets for those killings, it will be good. America should compensate for the killings and destructions in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Patna: Overwhelmed with the accolades flowing in from across the country for the remarkable success of the Rahmani-30 coaching centre in IIT-JEE, its patron and Sajjada Nashin, Khanqah Rahmani of Munger, Maulana Syed Mohammad Wali Rahmani has urged the community leadership to emulate and expand the experience of Rahmani-30.
Addressing a program held at Anjuman Islamia Hall in Patna yesterday to felicitate Rahmani-30’s successful IIT-JEE students, teachers and administration, Maulana Rahmani, patron of Rahmani Foundation that runs the coaching centre opened last year for poor but talented Muslim students aspiring for IIT-JEE, emphasized on opening similar institutions to train Muslim youths for medical and journalism.
Urging the audience, particularly pointing to S M Ashraf Farid, chief editor of Bihar’s leading Urdu daily Qaumi Tanzeem, and Ahmad Ashfaque Kareem, the founder of Katihar Medical College, who were sitting in the hall, Maulana Rahmani said people should come forward to serve the community using their abilities and means that they own. “Mr. Farid should open a centre to train community’s youths in journalism and Mr, Ashfaque should manage coaching for Muslim youths for medical,” he said.
The first batch of Rahmani-30 comprising 10 students had appeared for the all India IIT-JEE, and all of them cleared the test. Since the results were declared on May 25, the telephone of Maulana Rahmani has not stopped ringing. He has received appreciation from as far as Kerala and Maharashtra.
“Within these two days I have received proposal from Maharashtra, Kolkata, Jamshedpur and Kerala etc. to establish centers there and got congratulation not only from the state but also from all over the country” said Maulana Rahmani.
While appreciating the contribution of administration of Rahmani-30, Maulana said: “The community salutes Mr. Abhiyanad and his team for their selfless services, this is a big reward for them because there are many people who are more experts than these teachers and they are earning money but not honors as these teachers got” he stated. Abhiyanad, ADGP (Bihar Military Police), is the founder of Super-30. Last year at the request of Maulana Rahmani he agreed to render his services for Rahmani-30.
Addressing the successful candidates Mr. Ashfaque Kareem said: “It is the beginning, you will have to continue your efforts and go far ahead then surly some of you will be A.P.J Abdul Kalam.” Though I am founder of Katihar Medical College but I feel envy of this great service and I wish I could do that” he added.
Shafeeqe Mashadi of Millat Education Society which provided the building to Rahmani-30, said: “When you complete your course you must remember your past and try to do for others as your teachers did for you.” He also announced a cash reward of Rs 5,000 for each student on behalf of the Millat Education Society.
Some teachers of Rahmani-30 also shared their experience with the audience
“In previous years when results of IIT-JEE came I found some Muslim students from Bihar in the list after much search. But this time when results came out my happiness knew no bounds when I saw the names of all 10 students of Rahmani-30 on front page of national newspaper Indian Express” said Mr. Shakir, one of the teachers of Rahmani-30.
Mathematics teacher of Rahmani-30 Mr. Javed Ahmad while expressing his feeling said: “Instead of blaming for partiality our youths should concentrate on study then surely they will get success.” “The work started by Maulana Rahmani under the guidance of Abhiyanad ji is going in right direction. That’s why the coaching centre got 100% results. Here I did not only teach the students but also learnt how to motivate students.”
The program was attended by prominent personalities, dignitaries, intellectuals as well as common citizens.
New Delhi: While political parties are religiously concentrated on forging alliances and making new friends to grab Dillik ki Satta (central government) the Muslims, as the largest religious minority, feel detached thinking nothing will change for the community whoever comes to power. However, they have some genuine demands, both at local and national level, from the coming new government.
Muslims demand inclusion of the community in the reservation categories. They want more representation in legislatures, from Parliament to Panchayat. But what they urgently want from the new central government is the end of victimization of the community in the name of war against terror. Locally, they cry for proper civic amenities in Muslim dominated areas and a program for their development. But they are not much hopeful.
Ask about their expectations from the coming government at the centre, they will say: whoever comes to power, none is going to work for the welfare of the Muslim community. No political party is thinking honestly for the development of the community. They are using it just as a vote bank.
This is the general feeling of Muslims in any city.
A Jama Masjid area resident in Delhi says: No government works for the Muslim community. We have got fed up. In this Jama Masjid area there are several colonies which have no hospital and no marriage hall. No party, whether it is Congress or other, is sincere about the community. They just exploit the community for their own benefits. They treat us as vote bank.
Another one is more critical of the Congress for its apathy towards Muslim community since Independence: “The Congress has not done anything for the Muslim community. Since 1947 the party never fielded a Muslim candidate in Delhi. Congress is an open enemy of the Muslim community. Since Independence the party did nothing for the community. Muslims are being treated as a vote bank.” He demands more representation in legislature and “the government should stop the victimization of Muslim community in the name of terrorism.”
There are many in Delhi who want that Muslims should be given their rights. They should be given reservation. The government should sincerely work for the economic development of the community.
Like many in Delhi a Patna Muslim also does not pin much hope on the government. He says: whoever comes to power, none is going to work for the welfare of the Muslim community. Like in other parts of the world Muslims are being humiliated in India also. In the name of terrorism the community is being victimized. No political party is thinking honestly for the development of the community. They are using it just as a vote bank.
(Manzar Bilal and Mudassir Rizwan in Patna, Mumtaz Alam Falahi in Delhi)
By Manzar Bilal and Mudassir Rizwan, TwoCircles.net,
To solve problems facing Urdu Language in Bihar pressure groups should emerge once again like the ones that ensured it second official language status in the state, says Rehan Ghani, Managing Editor, Pindar, one of the oldest Urdu dailies in Bihar. Concerned with the Urdu speakers’ apathy towards the language, Ghani, also Associate Editor, Door Darshan, Patna, holds Urduwalas more responsible than the government for the sordid state of the language.
What are the difficulties and challenges before Urdu language in the country especially in Bihar?
Urdu language faces lots of difficulties and challenges from two sides: from the government and from the speakers of the language. Today a big problem is that we (Urdu speakers) have thrown out Urdu from our houses. Though we organize seminars and mushayera in metro cities we are not giving attention to the basic education of Urdu language. So, when the basic education of the language will stop then needless to say about its higher education.
There is a need for Urdu speakers to be aware of the problems and interests of the language. And they should think to solve its problems and protect its interests.
As for the difficulties from the government side, we cannot blame the government much because all the governments take decision when they are pressurized. For example, in Bihar Urdu is second official language but it got the status after much sacrifice of the community. Our forefathers sacrificed for it, they made a pressure group and put the demands before the government and also they made it an election issue until the government believed that Urdu speaking people became awake and if their demands were not fulfilled, the government would bear the political losses. Only then it accepted their demand and Urdu became second official language.
Today though Urdu language is facing problems from government but most of the problems are from our own side because we are not serious to solve the problems. Once again there is a need to make a pressure group only then the problems of the language will be solved both in Bihar and in the country. Therefore, I think that Urdu speakers and Urdu newspapers are themselves responsible for all the problems of Urdu.
What should be done to solve the problems?
The proprietors and editors of Urdu newspapers and well-wishers of the language from mainstream sections should sit together to point out the problems and see which problems we can solve and which ones can be solved by government. Then we should make a pressure group which would put pressure on government time to time. Actually most of the problems do not reach the government. Therefore, there is a need of a group which would make government aware about the problems of Urdu and also suggest the government ways to solve them.
Is it true that Urdu newspapers publish old news?
It is not true at all. Maybe this was happening 20 years back but in this age of internet, information and technology it is totally wrong to say that Urdu newspapers publish old news because today Urdu newspapers are as much updated as English and Hindi newspapers.
What is the circulation of Pindar?
(Smiling) when any one asks me about circulation of newspaper, I reply: do not ask any man about his salary and any woman about her age because they will never say truth about that. Similar is the case with newspapers. I am not proprietor therefore I cannot give you exact numbers. Yes, Pindar is in circulation and people of different parts of Bihar like it.
When did you join Pindar?
I joined ‘Pindar’ as Editor in 2004 when its proprietor decided to revive it. It is one of the oldest Urdu newspapers in Bihar but it was not in circulation for long. Soon after joining it I took several steps for its development. It is progressing day by day and now it is available in all parts of Bihar.
How will you assess the progress of Pindar in the last five years under your editorship?
Pindar progressed in terms of colour as well as number of pages. Earlier it was published in black and white and had 6 pages but now it is being published colours with 8 pages. Therefore people like it and its circulation is increasing day by day. But as a whole number of Urdu readers is decreasing which is the matter of concern for Urdu speaking people. The efforts which should be done to create awareness among people towards Urdu and Urdu newspapers are not going on so far. English or Hindi newspapers are using lots of means to attract people but Urdu newspapers are far behind in this regard.
What should be done for that?
Firstly, Urdu newspapers should increase their pages because English and Hindi newspapers have 20-28 pages but Urdu newspapers have hardly 6-12 pages which also contain advertisement then obviously we carry less material. Secondly, there should be columns for different topics. For example, the news from different parts of the country should be published separately. Similarly news about youths, women, job and economy should also be given specific spaces. Though I work with Pindar but in this regard I appreciate Roznama Rashtriya Sahara because it understood the need of the time. Therefore, it has more pages and every page for different issues. It carries news of almost all parts of Bihar. It brought out a revolution in the state Urdu journalism which created a competitive environment among the Urdu newspapers that surely benefited Urdu and Urdu journalism.
Did Roznama Rashtriya Sahara affect the readership of Pindar?
No. As a whole it did not affect Pindar because it has its own readers. It means that Pindar has been trying to build a good society because being Muslims we have some responsibilities about our religion and society. Therefore we do not carry nude pictures. We concentrate on carrying articles which may help to reform the society. We do not highlight the news of crimes and any such thing which may send a wrong message to the society because we believe that newspaper is one of the means to build good society and we will be asked about that. Because of these qualities Pindar has hold its place among a section of people.
How does government help Urdu newspapers?
In Bihar government helps Urdu newspapers more than in any other state. All those Urdu newspapers that are recognized by state government receive government advertisements and nowadays it is more compared to past. But on the other hand it is tragedy for Urdu journalism in Bihar that its working journalists are living miserable life.
Who can play an important role to solve the problems of Urdu newspapers?
The roles of government, proprietors, wealthy people and common readers of Urdu newspapers are required to solve the problems of Urdu newspapers and problems will not be solved unless all of them perform their roles sincerely. I want to explain here one thing that in Bihar proprietors of the newspapers are generally editors also, it does not matter that he is journalist or not. But a daily newspaper named ‘Inqilab-e-Jadeed, published from Patna, changed this tradition and its owner appointed a working journalist as its editor. Following this step Pindar also did the same. Its owner honoured me by appointing me as chief editor of the daily but because of a controversial write-up of mine I was dismissed from that post. Currently I am managing editor of the daily.
Is the new generation going away from Urdu language?
Yes, the new generation is turning away from the language. But they are not responsible for that; rather we parents are responsible for this because we are getting materialistic and have forgot our responsibilities about our language, our culture and our identity. Of course, we should make efforts for our necessities but should also be careful about our culture and identity.
What is your message for Urdu speaking people?
I request youths that as they are learning science and technology etc. they should spend at least one hour out of 24 hours to learn their mother language because it is their responsibility to protect it and make all efforts for its development and if they will not understand this language, then how they can fight for its right? Therefore, they should try to understand the problems of Urdu because people who are fighting for the betterment of Urdu today they will not be in future and new generation will have to counter these problems. Parents should also teach their children Urdu and keep Urdu books and newspapers in their houses. Unfortunately today there are many houses of Urdu speaking people where Hindi and English newspapers are available but not Urdu newspaper. People should understand the fact that Urdu language is essential to protect our Islamic culture and identity and if Urdu language disappears we will lose our civilization and identity.
(About the interviewee (editor): Rehan Ghani started his journalism career with Urdu daily Sangam’ published from Patna under the editorship of late Ghulam Sarvar, ex-minister of Bihar. He also worked with ‘Qaumi Awaz’ another daily from Patna. Then he was appointed as Urdu translator in the state department of Rajbhasha and worked there for only two years as he felt that though he was appointed as Urdu translator he was working as a clerk and nothing related to Urdu language. He resigned and came back to Qaumi Awaz. He spent around six months with ‘Urdu Samachar’ in Nagpur. Then he joined Door Darshan, Patna, as associate editor and is continuing till date. He joined Pindar as editor in 2004.)
