Veteran Urdu newsreader Salim Akhtar of Akashvani passes away at 76 after serving over 25 years. Learn about his contribution to Urdu journalism and public broadcasting in India.
Veteran Urdu Newsreader Salim Akhtar Passes Away at 76
Salim Akhtar, the esteemed Urdu newsreader with All India Radio’s Akashvani, died peacefully in New Delhi at the age of 76. With a broadcast career spanning more than 25 years, Akhtar was admired for his articulate Urdu diction and trustworthy delivery. Listeners across India relied on him for accurate and clear news bulletins, cementing his legacy in the nation’s broadcast journalistic history
A Lifelong Voice of Akashvani’s Urdu News
Akhtar began his journey with Akashvani’s Urdu News Services Division in his early years. Over more than two decades, his calm yet authoritative voice became synonymous with evening and morning news, creating a rapport that transcended regional divides. He was appreciated not only for his broadcast skills but also for his unwavering professionalism .
Brief Illness Followed by Demise
After battling a brief illness, Salim Akhtar succumbed in New Delhi. Though details of his health struggle were not disclosed, his death marked the end of an era for Urdu-penned broadcast journalism. Colleagues and listeners mourned deeply, sharing memories of his genial nature and dedication behind the microphone .
Legacy in Urdu Media
Akhtar’s stature in Urdu broadcast journalism places him alongside the era’s most respected voices. His ability to convey nuanced stories across political, social, and cultural landscapes resonated deeply with audiences. His professional integrity and clear diction set high standards for subsequent generations of newsreaders.
Impact on Current Affairs & Broadcasting Standards
During times of major events—whether domestic emergencies or global developments—Akhtar’s precise reporting kept families informed with clarity and calm. In government exams like UPSC, SSC, or State PSC, candidates studying the evolution of Indian broadcast media will find his career particularly illustrative of the professional values expected of public communicators.
📘 Why This News Is Important
Salim Akhtar’s passing is significant for several reasons:
- Cultural and Linguistic Heritage
Urdu remains a rich dimension of India’s linguistic diversity. Through his poised delivery, Akhtar preserved the grace of Urdu in broadcast media. For civil service and teaching aspirants, it underscores how official language services reflect inclusive cultural policies. - Broadcast Journalism Standards
As one of the longest-serving voices on Akashvani’s Urdu News, Akhtar embodied clarity, trust, and adherence to factual accuracy. Aspiring police, defence, and administrative officers learn from such historian-standard communication excellence. - Media’s Role in Governance
Emergency communications, policy rollouts, and public announcements often rely on mediums like Akashvani. His tenure reminds competitive exam candidates how trustworthy media is central to governance and social cohesion. - Inspiration for Aspirants
Akhtar’s dedication over decades showcases that integrity, discipline, and lifelong learning define a respected public career. Government exam aspirants can draw motivation from his trajectory.
🕰️ Historical Context: Evolution of Urdu Broadcast in India
Urdu broadcasts on Akashvani began soon after India’s independence to cater to Urdu-speaking populations across states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Delhi. Over the decades, it became a trusted voice among minority and multicultural communities. Newsreaders like Akhtar helped solidify it as an official channel of news during critical moments—from wars and elections to national crises. His career reflects the medium’s journey from analogue transmissions to digital streaming, carrying forward Urdu’s literary elegance into the modern era.
📌 Key Takeaways from “Veteran Urdu Newsreader Salim Akhtar Passes Away”
| S. No. | Key Takeaway |
|---|---|
| 1 | Salim Akhtar, aged 76, passed away in New Delhi after a brief illness. |
| 2 | He served more than 25 years with Akashvani’s Urdu News Services Division. |
| 3 | Known for his articulate and authoritative Urdu news delivery. |
| 4 | His career represents a golden era of Urdu broadcast journalism in India. |
| 5 | His contributions exemplify cultural integration and standard-setting in public communication. |
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Who was Salim Akhtar?
Salim Akhtar was a veteran Urdu newsreader who served All India Radio’s Akashvani Urdu News Services Division for over 25 years.
Q2. What is the significance of Urdu news in Indian broadcasting?
Urdu news plays a vital role in representing linguistic and cultural diversity in India. It caters to millions of Urdu-speaking citizens and reflects the government’s inclusive communication approach.
Q3. Why is Salim Akhtar’s career important for exam aspirants?
His career showcases professionalism, discipline, and communication ethics — qualities emphasized in civil services and other government roles.
Q4. What does Akashvani refer to?
Akashvani is the national public radio broadcaster of India, officially known as All India Radio. It broadcasts in multiple languages, including Urdu.
Q5. How can this news be useful in exams?
This news highlights themes of media ethics, cultural integration, linguistic diversity, and the evolution of Indian public broadcasting — relevant for questions in General Awareness and Current Affairs sections of competitive exams.
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