Sudhir Mishra, Bhupendra Chaubey announce scholarships for Urdu journalists

In a significant development for the advancement of Urdu journalism, two annual scholarships were announced during the second edition of the e4m Urdu Journalism 40 Under 40 Summit and Awards held at the India International Centre in New Delhi. The summit, which brought together renowned figures from the world of Urdu journalism, literature, and the broader Urdu community, concluded on a high note with the recognition of 40 emerging talents.

The scholarships, valued at ₹25,000 each, were announced by Bhupendra Chaubey, Senior journalist who is now Editor-in-Chief of TheSquirrels.in, and noted Media, Entertainment and Environmental lawyer Sudhir Mishra. These annual scholarships aim to support and nurture young and emerging Urdu journalists and will take effect from next year.

While announcing the scholarship, Bhupendra Chaubey emphasized the need for sustained investment in Urdu journalism, particularly as the field undergoes a resurgence after years of neglect. “Urdu journalism is a crucial voice in the Indian media landscape, and this scholarship aims to empower emerging talents who will carry forward its legacy,” said Chaubey.

Sudhir Mishra, expressing his passion for the Urdu language, echoed Chaubey’s sentiments and highlighted the importance of supporting Urdu journalists who often face financial hardships. “This scholarship is a small step towards ensuring that the Urdu language continues to thrive in journalism,” Mishra added.

The event, which was a celebration of Urdu journalism's revival, also saw the presence of numerous eminent personalities who discussed the challenges and opportunities for the Urdu media in today’s digital-first world.