Ahmed Hasan Imran: Journalist

Ahmed Hasan Imran, a former Trinamool Congress (TMC) Member of Parliament, currently  the Chairman of West Bengal Minorities Commission is a prominent figure known for his deep-rooted connection with the media and active involvement in politics. Born in West Bengal, Imran carved out a notable career in journalism before transitioning into the political arena.

Imran began his career as a journalist, becoming a significant voice in the Bengali media landscape. He was the editor of "Kalom," a widely circulated Bengali daily, which served as a platform for voicing concerns of marginalized communities, particularly Muslims in West Bengal. His journalistic work was characterized by a focus on social justice and the rights of minorities, earning him respect and recognition across the state.

His transition into politics came when he joined the Trinamool Congress, a party that was gaining momentum in West Bengal under the leadership of Mamata Banerjee. Imran's deep understanding of the socio-political issues affecting the Muslim community made him an asset to the party, and in 2014, he was elected to the Rajya Sabha, representing the TMC.

During his tenure as an MP, Imran continued to advocate for the rights of minorities and worked towards their upliftment. He played an active role in debates and discussions on issues of national importance, particularly those affecting marginalized communities.

Arfa Khanam Sherwani: Journalist/Anchoar

Arfa Khanum Sherwani (born in 1980) is a prominent Indian journalist known for her fearless reporting, incisive analysis, and unwavering commitment to free speech and democratic values. With a career spanning over two decades, she has made significant contributions to the field of journalism, earning respect and recognition for her work on critical social, political, and human rights issues.

Born and raised in Bulandshahr, Uttar Pradesh, Arfa Khanum Sherwani pursued her higher education in journalism and mass communication, equipping herself with the skills and knowledge necessary for a career in media. She holds a Master's degree in Mass Communication from Aligarh Muslim University and further honed her journalistic skills with a postgraduate diploma from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC) in New Delhi.

Sherwani began her career in journalism with the television news channel NDTV, where she worked as a reporter and anchor. Her dynamic reporting and ability to tackle challenging topics quickly set her apart in the competitive world of Indian media. Over the years, she has covered a wide range of issues, including political developments, social justice movements, and human rights abuses.

Currently, Arfa Khanum Sherwani is a senior editor at The Wire, an independent online news platform known for its investigative journalism and in-depth analysis. At The Wire, she has continued to produce impactful stories that highlight the voices of marginalized communities, expose injustices, and hold those in power accountable. Her reporting on issues such as religious intolerance, gender discrimination, and state repression has been particularly influential.

In addition to her work at The Wire, Sherwani is a regular commentator on various television news channels and public forums, where she provides insightful analysis on current affairs. Her articulate and well-informed perspectives have made her a respected voice in the media landscape.

Arfa Khanum Sherwani's dedication to journalism extends beyond reporting; she is also a strong advocate for press freedom and the protection of journalists. She has been vocal about the challenges faced by the media in India, including censorship, intimidation, and attacks on journalists. Her advocacy efforts aim to ensure that the media remains a pillar of democracy and a watchdog for society.

Throughout her career, Sherwani has received numerous awards and accolades for her contributions to journalism, including the prestigious Chameli Devi Jain Award for Outstanding Woman Journalist. Her fearless and principled approach to reporting continues to inspire many aspiring journalists and defenders of free speech.

Arfa Khanum Sherwani's work as a journalist and advocate for democratic values underscores her significant role in contemporary Indian society. Her commitment to truth, justice, and the empowerment of marginalized voices makes her a vital figure in the ongoing efforts to uphold the principles of a free and fair press.

Mohammed Zubair: Fact Checker /Social Media Influencer  

Mohammed Zubair (born in 1983) is a prominent Indian journalist and co-founder of Alt News, a fact-checking website dedicated to combating misinformation and fake news in India. Born on January 27, 1983, Zubair's work has positioned him as a key figure in the battle against the spread of false information, particularly in the complex and often polarized media landscape of India.

Zubair's background is in engineering, and before venturing into journalism, he worked as a software engineer. However, the growing menace of misinformation, especially on social media platforms, led him to co-found Alt News in 2017 alongside Pratik Sinha. Alt News quickly gained recognition for its meticulous and unbiased approach to fact-checking, often debunking viral falsehoods and propaganda that have the potential to cause communal discord and social unrest.

Under Zubair’s leadership, Alt News has exposed numerous instances of misinformation, ranging from manipulated videos and misleading images to outright fabricated stories. His work has been instrumental in holding those in power accountable, as well as educating the public about the importance of verifying information before accepting it as truth. Zubair's efforts have earned him widespread recognition, but they have also made him a target of online harassment and legal challenges, particularly from those who have been exposed by his fact-checking.

Despite facing considerable personal risk, including arrests and threats, Zubair has remained steadfast in his commitment to truth and transparency. His dedication to upholding journalistic integrity in the face of adversity has made him a respected figure in media circles both in India and internationally.

Mohammed Zubair continues to be a leading voice in the fight against fake news, advocating for a more informed and critical society. His work at Alt News not only counters misinformation but also promotes a culture of accountability and responsible journalism in India.

Rana Ayyub: Journalist

Rana Ayyub (born in 1984) is an award-winning investigative journalist, author, and global advocate for press freedom. Known for her fearless reporting and unflinching commitment to uncovering the truth, Ayyub has carved a niche in the world of journalism as one of India’s most prominent and controversial voices.

Born and raised in Mumbai, Ayyub studied at Sophia College and began her career in journalism with leading Indian publications. Her investigative work gained international recognition with the publication of her book, Gujarat Files: Anatomy of a Cover-Up (2016), a self-published exposé based on an eight-month undercover investigation into the 2002 Gujarat riots and their aftermath. The book, a landmark in Indian journalism, shed light on alleged complicity by powerful political figures, earning her both acclaim and threats.

Ayyub’s incisive reporting extends beyond Gujarat. She has written extensively on issues of human rights, religious polarization, and governmental accountability. Her articles have appeared in prominent global outlets such as The Washington Post, The New York Times, and Time Magazine, where she continues to highlight issues of social justice and marginalization.

Her fearless approach has often made her a target of online abuse, legal challenges, and intimidation. Despite these challenges, she remains undeterred, advocating for press freedom and amplifying marginalized voices. Ayyub’s contributions have been recognized globally; she was honored with the McGill Medal for Journalistic Courage in 2020 and listed among Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in 2022.

Beyond her journalism, Rana Ayyub uses her platform to address systemic injustices and champion the rights of the oppressed. Her work exemplifies the power of journalism as a tool for accountability, truth, and change. In an era of rising authoritarianism, Ayyub’s voice stands as a testament to courage and integrity.

Saeed Naqvi:  Journalist, Author and Commentator

Saeed Naqvi is a distinguished Indian journalist, television commentator, and interviewer, known for his extensive work in journalism over several decades. He began his career as a staff reporter with The Statesman in 1964 before moving on to become editor of the Sunday Magazine. He gained international recognition for his reporting during The Beatles' visit to India, capturing insights from their stay at Maharishi Mahesh Yogi’s ashram in Rishikesh.

Throughout his career, Naqvi has interviewed numerous global leaders, including Nelson Mandela, Fidel Castro, and Gorbachev, and has served as the editor of World Report, focusing on foreign affairs. His work has been featured in prestigious publications such as The New York Times, The Guardian, and The Washington Post. He played a key role in producing television content, notably for Doordarshan and Star TV, and was pivotal in creating programs that highlighted international affairs and India's diverse culture.

As an author, Naqvi's most recent work, titled "The Muslim Vanishes," explores themes of identity and societal issues, sparking discussion among scholars. He has participated in various prestigious lecture events, such as a TEDx Talk at Jamia Millia Islamia and has delivered talks at institutions like Columbia University.

Born and raised in Lucknow, Naqvi has a strong educational background, having attended La Martinière College. He is married to Aruna Naqvi and has three daughters, including journalist Saba Naqvi and writer Farah Naqvi. Over the years, Saeed Naqvi has established himself as a crucial voice in Indian journalism and remains influential in discussions about social and political issues in India and beyond.

Islam Khan: Journalist, Author/Community Leader

Dr Zafar ul Islam Khan (born1948) is a prominent Indian author and journalist known for his advocacy for the Muslim community. He serves as the editor and publisher of The Milli Gazette, a fortnightly focused on issues relevant to Muslims, and is the founder and chairman of Charity Alliance, an organization dedicated to relief and welfare work in India.

Khan's educational journey began at Madrasa-tul-Islah and Darul Uloom Nadwatul Ulama, followed by studies at Al-Azhar and Cairo University from 1966 to 1973. He earned a PhD in Islamic Studies from the University of Manchester in 1987. His career spans several decades, including roles with the Libyan Foreign Ministry and the London-based Muslim Institute, where he managed a news service and publications. He has authored and translated over 50 books and written articles for the Encyclopaedia of Islam.

Khan was elected president of the All India Muslim Majlis-e-Mushawarat, the umbrella body for Muslim organizations in India, for multiple terms. In July 2017, he was appointed Chairman of the Delhi Minorities Commission, where he formed a fact-finding committee in response to the 2020 Delhi riots.

In October 2023, he released "The Glorious Quran," a translation of the holy text. However, Khan faced controversy following a Facebook post in April 2020 asserting that Muslims were subject to hate campaigns and violence. He was subsequently charged with sedition under the Indian Penal Code. The resultant petitions against him were dismissed in court. Khan's contributions and viewpoints have sparked discussions on minority rights, social justice, and the role of the Muslim community in India.

Ziya Us Salam: Journalist/ Author

Ziya Us Salam (born in 1970) is a distinguished Indian author, literary critic, journalist, and social commentator. With a career spanning nearly three decades, Salam has become a prominent voice on sociocultural issues, literature, and the challenges faced by India's Muslim community.

Born into a family with an Islamic scholarly lineage, Salam’s father, Mufti Abdul Dayem Sahab, was a renowned Islamic scholar and hadith translator. After his father’s demise in 1983, Salam, his mother, and his sister moved to Delhi, where he pursued his education. He studied at Bluebells School International and later attended a convent school. Salam’s intellectual journey continued at St. Stephen's College, University of Delhi, where he earned a degree in History.

From an early age, Salam exhibited a passion for writing and journalism. By grade seven, his first article was published, and his early initiative of compiling and distributing handwritten notes foreshadowed his future career. In 1995, he officially began his journey as a journalist, working with leading publications such as The Statesman, The Times of India, and The Pioneer. Before joining The Hindu he  was  Associate Editor of Frontline 

Salam is also a prolific author. His book Till Talaq Do Us Part: Understanding Talaq, Triple Talaq and Khula (2018) received acclaim for its clarity and depth in addressing misconceptions about Islamic marital laws. In the same year, he authored Of Saffron Flags and Skullcaps: Hindutva, Muslim Identity and the Idea of India, critically exploring discrimination against Muslims in India.

Salam's latest book Being Muslim in Hindu India   is painstakingly researched, that  talks of the constant 'othering' of Muslims, using tactics of both peace and violence.