JEDDAH — Maulana Azad National Urdu University (MANUU), Hyderabad, conferred the doctorate degree on research of “the condition of Urdu language and literature in the Gulf countries” to senior Journalist Mohammed Abdul Rasheed Junaid, a resident editor at Gawah Urdu weekly and Partner, Media Plus Communication and Public Relations in Hyderabad. Junaid conducted his research under the guidance of Prof. Khaled Saeed. The research focuses on the existing situation of Urdu language and literature in Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait and Oman. As part of his research work, the dedicated scholar visited the Kingdom and spent considerable time here to obtain information for his work. He traveled to different parts of the Kingdom to interview Urdu writers, poets, journalists, scholars, representatives of cultural organizations etc. He also contacted various other literary circles in the Gulf and interviewed them. The well-researched thesis comprising more than 500 pages covered the contributions and services of 275 organizations, writers, poets and journalists dedicated in promoting Urdu language. During his stay in the Kingdom, Junaid had a short stint with Saudi Gazette, where he worked as an editor in its weekly Urdu supplement “Awaz,” and wrote reports and features. As a correspondent in Saudi Arabia he reported to many Indian newspapers. Son of a retired Mandal Development Officer Mohammed Abdul Majeed, Junaid is a pass out from Jamia Nizamia. He is the cousin of senior journalist Fazil Hussain Parvez, Editor, Gawah Urdu weekly. Junaid thanked all individuals and organizations who helped him in carrying out his research. He specially acknowledged Dr. Abid Moiz, Prof. Hussain Saher (Dubai), Mumtaz Rashed (Qatar) and Ather Nafees Abbasi (Jeddah). — SG
