In a notable recognition of his continued efforts to preserve linguistic and cultural traditions, acclaimed journalist and Queen’s Service Medal (QSM) recipient, Mujeeb Syed was honoured by Bhartiya Vidya Bhavan New Zealand for his outstanding contributions towards the promotion of the Urdu language, reported the Siasat.
The ceremony, held recently in Auckland, saw Syed being presented with a Certificate of Appreciation for his “Service to Heritage Language – Urdu.” The award highlights his unwavering dedication to keeping the Urdu language vibrant within New Zealand’s multicultural society.
A familiar figure in the cultural and media circles of Aotearoa, Mujeeb Syed has played a pivotal role in organising literary events, promoting Urdu education, and fostering community connections through storytelling and journalism. His efforts have significantly contributed to the preservation of Urdu as a living symbol of South Asian identity among the diaspora.
Bhartiya Vidya Bhavan, an internationally respected institution committed to promoting Indian culture, praised Syed’s commitment as exemplary. Attendees lauded his ability to bridge generations and strengthen cultural ties through language.
In his acceptance speech, Syed stated, “This honor is not just for me, but for every individual who believes in the power of language as a vessel of identity and expression. Urdu is a language of love, poetry, and deep heritage. I am humbled to play a small part in keeping it alive.”
This accolade reinforces Mujeeb Syed’s standing as an influential leader in New Zealand’s multicultural space and underlines the critical importance of heritage languages in fostering social harmony and cultural depth.
