Hyderabad, April 16: The CETI Foundation has invited nominations for the second edition of the Naseem Arifi ‘Urdu Media Awards’ from Urdu journalists across the country.

According to Prof. Syed Basharat Ali, Chairman and Founding Managing Trustee of the CETI Foundation, five awards will be presented this year to Urdu journalists from across the country. Of these, two awards are reserved for journalists from Telangana, while two will be given to journalists from other parts of India. Each award carries a cash prize of ₹15,000 along with a citation. The selected awardees will also be provided air fare (to and fro) and accommodation in Hyderabad to attend the award ceremony in Hyderabad.
In addition, a Special Award will be conferred upon a senior journalist or eminent media personality in recognition of lifetime contributions to Urdu journalism.
Prof. Basharat Ali said the awards are aimed at encouraging a new generation of Urdu journalists who are committed to truth, integrity and diversity. He added that by recognising meaningful and impactful work, the initiative seeks to promote an inclusive media environment that reflects the diverse realities of society.
Who can apply:
The awards are open to a wide range of individuals working in or contributing to Urdu media. This includes:
Journalists and media professionals who shape public opinion through their work in Urdu journalism
Individuals active on social media who create awareness, identify misinformation, and help prevent the spread of fake news
Journalists engaged in investigative reporting, data-driven journalism, feature writing, television documentaries, and audio-visual storytelling
Those who consistently highlight underreported or neglected issues through websites, YouTube channels, or other digital platforms
Bloggers and researchers outside mainstream media who contribute positively to Urdu journalism and highlight issues concerning Urdu-speaking communities
Applicants must be Indian citizens.
Prof. Basharat Ali said the aim is to recognize not only mainstream journalists but also emerging voices and independent content creators who are making meaningful contributions to Urdu media in different formats.