Honours His Lifelong Service on World Urdu Day
Srinagar, Nov 20: Distinguished writer and senior journalist Imdad Saqi was conferred the prestigious Khalaet-e-Urdu Sahafat 2025 Award at a special World Urdu Day ceremony organised by Anjuman-e-Urdu Sahafat Jammu & Kashmir in collaboration with the Jammu Kashmir Urdu Council.
Held at Hotel Shahenshah, Srinagar, the event brought together writers, academics, and media professionals to celebrate excellence in Urdu language and journalism.
Organisers remarked that Mr. Saqi’s selection for the award reflects decades of steadfast dedication to Urdu literature, journalism, and scholarly engagement. The award citation described his work as a blend of intellectual discipline, sincerity of purpose, and lifelong service toward the preservation and advancement of Urdu.
Centred on the theme “Urdu Journalism: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow,” the programme featured insightful discussions on the evolution of Urdu media, its current challenges, and the responsibilities of journalists in a rapidly changing information landscape. Speakers highlighted that Mr. Saqi’s contributions have shaped these debates for over fifty years, offering both depth and direction.
Peers lauded him not only for strengthening Urdu journalism through his writings, but also for mentoring generations of young reporters, researchers, and literary voices across Jammu & Kashmir. Many described him as one of the region’s most credible and principled torchbearers of Urdu’s intellectual tradition.
Organisers said the conferment of the award has brought joy and pride to the Anjuman and the wider literary fraternity. They noted that his presence enriched the occasion and served as a source of inspiration for emerging journalists and students of literature.
The event concluded with a renewed pledge from the Anjuman-e-Urdu Sahafat to continue honouring individuals who contribute meaningfully to Urdu through scholarship, ethical journalism, and community engagement.
