Haroon Rashid, a man who brought Urdu "Inquilab"

 

Haroon Rashid 

Janab Haroon Rashid, born on 31st May 1942 in the historical village of Usia, Ghazipur district, Uttar Pradesh, was a remarkable figure in the world of Urdu journalism and educational reform. He passed away on 4th March 2000 in Bombay, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire. Haroon Rashid’s contribution to the Urdu press and his unwavering commitment to the educational and socio-economic upliftment of Muslims make him one of the most influential personalities of his time.


As the Editor of the Urdu daily Inquilab, Haroon Rashid played a pivotal role in reviving the readership of Urdu newspapers in a city like Bombay, which was witnessing a steady decline in interest towards the language. Under his leadership, the circulation of Inquilab grew to nearly 40,000 copies, a remarkable feat. His tenure saw him championing the cause of education, particularly for girls, which was central to his mission of social reform. He made it a point to highlight the achievements of Muslims in various fields and gave extensive coverage to news items related to educational accomplishments.


Haroon Rashid was a staunch believer in the vision of Sir Syed Ahmed Khan, emphasizing the importance of education in empowering Muslims. He traveled extensively across Maharashtra, advocating the virtues of education and encouraging the Muslim community to embrace learning, particularly in the Urdu medium. His efforts helped draw Muslim students into education, many of whom began regularly featuring on merit lists and pursuing higher studies. Rashid’s writings were widely read and appreciated, and he remained in constant touch with educators, activists, and school principals to explore ways to improve educational access for Muslim children.


Beyond his work in journalism, Haroon Rashid was known for his refined personality. Stylish, smart, and sophisticated, he had a deep passion for literature and collected hundreds, if not thousands, of books. His library was a treasure trove of knowledge, although it was tragically lost during the 1993 Mumbai riots when his house was burned down. Haroon Rashid was also renowned for his oratory skills. His speeches were magnetic and left a lasting impression on his audience, regardless of whether they understood Urdu or not. His ability to engage listeners made him a sought-after speaker, and he was able to captivate audiences with his fiery and eloquent addresses.


He completed his schooling at Anjuman Islam High School, Bombay, before going on to Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), where he earned his M.Sc. between 1964 and 1974. During this time, he adopted the name Haroon Rashid, inspired by the legendary Caliph, as he found it trendier than his birth name, Haroon Ismail Khan. Rashid’s journalism career began at the Urdu Blitz, where he wrote on sports and eventually rose to become the editor. His career took another significant turn when he joined Inquilab in 1995, where his leadership and passion for journalism elevated the newspaper to new heights.


Haroon Rashid’s legacy lives on through his contributions to journalism, his relentless advocacy for education, and his lasting impact on the Muslim community in Maharashtra. His work not only encouraged the spread of education but also brought about a social change that continues to resonate today. His death in 2000 was widely mourned, and condolences poured in from various corners of the country, from Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee to social workers in remote areas of Maharashtra. Haroon Rashid's life remains a testament to the power of education and the indomitable spirit of socia

l reform.


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