Nominations Open for 2nd Naseem Arifi ‘Urdu Media Awards’: CETI Foundation to Honor Excellence in Urdu Journalism

By Prem Kumar Sun, 19 Apr 2026

Hyderabad | April 19, 2026:The CETI Foundation has officially invited nominations for the second edition of the prestigious Naseem Arifi ‘Urdu Media Awards’. Aimed at recognizing impactful storytelling and ethical journalism, the awards seek to celebrate Urdu journalists who have demonstrated a commitment to truth, integrity, and social diversity.

Award Categories and Prizes

This year, the foundation will present five distinct awards to Indian citizens working within the Urdu media landscape:

Regional Recognition: Two awards are reserved exclusively for journalists from Telangana.
National Recognition: Two awards will be conferred upon journalists from other parts of India.
Lifetime Achievement: A special award will honor a senior journalist for their lifelong contribution to the field.

The Rewards: Each winner will receive a cash prize of ₹15,000, a formal citation, and fully covered airfare and accommodation to attend the grand ceremony in Hyderabad.

Eligibility: Who Can Apply?

The foundation has broadened its scope to include modern digital voices alongside traditional media professionals. Eligible candidates include:

Mainstream journalists (Print, TV, Radio).
Investigative reporters and feature writers.
Social media influencers combating misinformation and fake news.
Independent content creators (YouTube, Blogs, Websites) highlighting underreported issues.
Researchers and bloggers contributing to the Urdu-speaking community’s discourse.

Application Process

Prospective applicants or editors wishing to nominate their staff must submit the following:

Personal Statement: A 500–800 word essay on their vision regarding diversity in media.
Updated Resume: A current professional profile.
Work Samples: At least three samples of work published/produced in 2025.

Submission Email: admin@cetigroup.org or cetifoundations@gmail.com.
Deadline: April 25, 2026.
Contact for Inquiry: +91 9948008817.

The Legacy of Naseem Arifi

The awards are named in honor of the late Naseem Arifi, a titan of Urdu journalism whose career spanned over 50 years. From his start at Roznama Siasat in the 1960s to his pivotal roles in Munsif and Etemaad, Arifi’s vision continues to inspire the next generation of media professionals.

The Road to the Ceremony

The selection will be conducted by an independent panel of veteran journalists and academicians. A high-level meeting held on April 11, attended by dignitaries including Dr. Ausaf Sayeed (Former Ambassador) and Mr. A.K. Khan (Retd. IPS), finalized the schedule. The award ceremony is slated for the first week of May 2026 in Hyderabad.