Faiyaz Ahmad Fyzie

Exactly four years ago on a wintry evening, I received a call on my mobile phone. A gentle and polite voice on the other end said, "I am Malick Asghar Hashmi from Awaz-the Voice. I want to interview you on the Pasmanda issue".

For me, this was nothing less than a pleasant surprise, because Pasmanda activists do not expect such invitations from the media.

From that day, Awaz-the Voice not only provided me and other Pasmanda activists opportunities to express our views on the neglect of the majority of Indian Muslims by the state and the discrimination heaped on them by the dominant yet minuscule Ashraaf Muslims.

Today, I heartily congratulate Awaz-the Voice on completing four years of its existence. During this period, Awaz has not only made its mark as a news and views portal, and YouTube channel it also emerged as the voice of the Pasmanda community.

I feel happy to tell you that Awaz-The Voice published articles that had been ignored by other media outlets due to the mindset created by an eco-system that never highlighted the indigenous and majority of the Indian Muslims.

I commend this effort of ATV, for giving the voice to those who are unheard is the real task of a media with consciences.  

The portal has giver power to the Pasmanda Muslims who have been historically ignored and whose voices stifled for long. It has highlighted their struggles and brought their stories before the bigger world.

Awaz-The Voice has provided a platform to the people of the Pasmanda community, where they can speak their minds and put forward their demands.

It has played an important role in bringing about change in the society and raised its voice against casteism, discrimination, and social inequality.

Besides, the ATV has raised awareness about many issues, and inspired the weaker sections like Pasmanda to fight for their rights.

I hope that Awaz-The Voice continues to be the voice of the Pasmanda community in the times to come.

I hope the true journalism and positive changes that Awaz wants to bring into society will change society.

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The author is a doctor by profession, columnist and is associated with the Pasmanda movement.