An iconic image of Moulvi Muhammad Baqir, executed following the rebellion against the British Raj in 1857, now adorns a wall of the Press Club of India
Mohammad Alamullah | Clarion India
NEW DELHI – Glowing tributes were paid to Moulvi Muhammad Baqir, the first martyred Urdu journalist and a freedom fighter, at a solemn ceremony here on Sunday.
An iconic image of Moulvi Baqir was also unveiled at the event and it now adorns a wall of the Press Club of India. The event, attended by esteemed personalities, highlighted the enduring legacy of Moulvi Baqir’s journalistic services.
Moulvi Baqir (1780–1857) was a scholar of repute and an Urdu journalist based in Delhi. He was the first journalist to be executed following the rebellion against the British Raj in 1857. He was arrested on 16 September 1857 and executed by gunshot two days later without trial.
Gautam Lehri, President of the Press Club of India, presided over the ceremony, emphasising the club’s commitment to acknowledge and foster Urdu journalism. Members of the managing committee, alongside influential figures in journalism, were also in attendance.
Azra Mousavi and Tarana Hussain from Aligarh Muslim University, representing Moulvi Baqir’s family, added a special touch to the event. Senior journalist A.U. Asif, addressing the assembly, underscored the historical significance of Maulvi Baqir’s sacrifices in liberating India from the oppressive Britishers. Asif remarked that placing Moulvi Baqir’s picture in the Press Club is an important step in ensuring that his contribution and legacy inspire journalists.
The chief guest at the event, Janata Dal (United) Member of Parliament K.C. Tyagi, paid tributes to Moulvi Baqir, emphasising the relevance of his journalism in contemporary India. Tyagi hailed Baqir as a rare gem born once in centuries.
Gautam Lehri expressed the Press Club’s pride in commemorating the freedom hero, urging Urdu journalists to actively participate and contribute to the club’s initiatives.
Historian Rana Safavi lauded Moulvi Baqir as a symbol of Hindu-Muslim unity, citing his sacrifice against the British divide-and-rule strategy.
Congress leader Hidayatullah Gentil drew parallels between Moulvi Baqir’s martyrdom and the current challenges facing the nation, emphasising the lessons one can learn from facing difficulties.
Senior journalist Sohail Anjum and Shoaib Raza Fatemi, editor of the daily Hamara Samaj, shared their perspectives on the occasion, adding depth to the discussions about Moulvi Baqir’s lasting impact.
Ashraf Ali Bastavi, a member of the managing committee of the Press Club of India, extended gratitude to all participants for commemorating the life and contributions of Moulvi Baqir. The unveiling of his picture in the Press Club stands as a testimony to preserving the legacy of a freedom fighter whose sacrifice continues to inspire generations.
