Barabanki: Abu Shama Ansari, Secretary (Publicity and Publications) of the All India Minorities Forum for Democracy, has appealed to Urdu speakers and members of the Urdu-speaking community to make purchasing and reading at least one newspaper regularly a habit in every household. Expressing concern over the challenges facing newspaper publications, he stressed that active support from readers is essential for the survival and stability of journalism, particularly Urdu journalism.
Ansari pointed out that despite a substantial population capable of reading and understanding Urdu, the circulation of individual Urdu newspapers has struggled to reach even one lakh copies. He said the situation calls for serious introspection among Urdu speakers, writers and people associated with journalism.
He observed that journalism and its delivery platforms are undergoing rapid changes. Newspapers must adapt their content and presentation to the interests of younger readers, changing public expectations and emerging social concerns. Local news, investigative reports, public-interest information and meaningful analysis can help strengthen the relationship between newspapers and their readers.
Highlighting the importance of grassroots journalism, Ansari said fact-based reporting on issues such as damaged roads, drainage, drinking water, electricity, healthcare and education in rural areas could effectively bring public grievances to the attention of the concerned authorities.
He also expressed concern over the financial and circulation difficulties confronting newspaper organisations. Several publications have reportedly shut down, while some newspapers that once carried 12 pages have reduced their editions to eight pages. Others that previously published eight-page editions have been forced to cut them to four pages. Despite limited resources, some publications continue to struggle to remain in circulation, while uncertainty surrounds the future of others.
To underline the importance of supporting newspapers in one’s own language, Ansari recalled an incident involving an illiterate Marathi woman who worked at a lawyer’s house in Mumbai. Despite being unable to read, she regularly purchased a Marathi newspaper, explaining that it belonged to her language and deserved to continue publishing. According to Ansari, the incident demonstrates that commitment to a language extends beyond literacy and includes supporting the institutions that preserve and promote it.
Ansari emphasised that families and educational institutions have a significant role to play in developing reading habits among younger generations. Parents should encourage children to read newspapers, while teachers should use them to familiarise students with language, society and current affairs.
Referring to successful regional-language publications, he cited Malayalam newspapers Malayala Manorama and Mathrubhumi as examples of publications that have adapted to changing reader needs. He said Urdu journalism must preserve its strong foundations while embracing modern communication platforms and the preferences of younger audiences.
He added that the responsibility for quality journalism does not rest solely with media organisations. Publishers must provide reliable, high-quality public-interest content, while editors and journalists must uphold professional integrity, research standards and journalistic ethics. Educational institutions should promote reading and critical thinking, and literary and social organisations should organise local reading initiatives and encourage young writers to explore journalism and their linguistic heritage.
Underscoring the role of readers, Ansari warned that declining newspaper purchases could further weaken the financial resources of publications. He urged every family to subscribe to at least one newspaper and involve children and young people in regular reading. Friends, relatives and neighbours should also be encouraged to purchase newspapers. Families and individuals unable to afford separate subscriptions could consider sharing copies or arranging regular delivery through a newspaper agent.
He further called on newspapers to strengthen their engagement with readers. Members of the public should share local concerns, suggestions, opinions and relevant community information with editors so that journalism can serve not merely as a medium for delivering news but also as an effective platform for representing society’s concerns.
Concluding his appeal, Ansari said purchasing a newspaper was not simply about acquiring a few printed pages but also about contributing to the preservation of one’s language, cultural identity and journalistic traditions. He urged the Urdu-speaking community to support newspapers by purchasing, reading and sharing them, adding that sustained public participation could help establish a stronger foundation for the future of Urdu journalism.
The press release was issued by the Publicity and Publications Department of the All India Minorities Forum for Democracy.
