RIYADH – Eminent Journalist (Former Managing Editor “Saudi Gazette”), Tariq Ghazi passed away in Toronto, Canada on last Saturday evening. He was 79 years old. He has served for 28 years in the English daily “Saudi Gazette” (Jeddah, Saudi Arabia). Mohammad Tariq Ghazi, a revered journalist whose graceful prose, profound knowledge, and soft-spoken demeanor left an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Born in 1945 in Bijnor, UP, Tariq Ghazi belonged to a family of freedom fighters of India. His full name was Muhammad Tariq Al-Ansari Ghazi. His father Hamid Al Ansari was also a freedom fighter and journalist. He was the editor of the newspaper “Jamhuriyat” published from Bombay. Tariq Ghazi came to Bombay with his father from Calcutta at the age of ten. He had his primary education in Bombay and higher education in Aligarh Muslim University. He moved to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia in 1979 and joined the Saudi Gazette where he served for 28 years. The journalist who took the pen as his faith was also an elegant poet and author of several English and Urdu books. He was a well-known and popular figure in the literary and social circles of Jeddah. He used to participate in Jeddah’s literary fairs. Tariq Ghazi started writing poetry during his days of youth in Bombay. He was a religious man, but he was among the close friends of prominent progressive poets of that era, Ali Sardar Jafari, Kaifi Azmi, Janisar Akhtar, Akhtar Ul Ayman, Krishan Chandra etc. He resigned from the Saudi Gazette and moved to Canada in 2003 and settled there permanently. He continued to write columns for Indian newspapers from Canada on a regular basis. He remained connected with writing and compilation till the end.
On the tragic demise of Tariq Ghazi, the managing editor of English daily Arab News, Siraj Wahab, said in his condolence message that Tariq Ghazi’s departure from the mortal world is a great loss to English and Urdu language and literature. Siraj Wahab said that Tariq Ghazi was a veritable encyclopedia of Islamic history, the Ottoman period and the history of Indian independence. He said that the chapter that was distorted or forgotten from the history of India today was on the tip of Tariq Ghazi’s tongue. He said that the era of Tariq Ghazi and his companions in Jeddah was a golden era.
Abdul Ghafoor Danish, a long-time friend of Tariq Ghazi from Jeddah, penned down his thoughts on the memorable moments spent with Tariq Ghazi and his life. He shared his thoughts on social media as a tribute to him. He wrote the following about Tariq Ghazi: “Born with an insatiable curiosity and a keen intellect, Tariq Ghazi embarked on a remarkable journey in the world of journalism. Armed with a pen as mighty as a sword and a commitment to truth, he pursued stories that mattered. I am told by his erstwhile colleagues that he approached each assignment with integrity and unwavering dedication.
Throughout his illustrious career, Tariq Ghazi demonstrated an unparalleled depth of knowledge on a myriad of subjects. His articles, lectures were not merely reports but thoughtful explorations that illuminated complex issues with clarity and nuance. His insightful analysis and balanced perspective earned him the respect and admiration of colleagues his friends and readers alike.
One of his favorite sher (Urdu couplet) used to be “Imam aae to uthega Muazzin, Ye ummat saf ba saf hai, ba wazoo hai”.
Beyond his professional achievements, I will remember him for his gentle spirit and kindness towards others. Despite his towering intellect and accomplishments, he remained remarkably humble and approachable, always willing to lend an ear or offer guidance to those in need. His oft-spoken manner belied strength of character that inspired all who crossed his path.”
Senior journalist, K. N. Wasif first met Tariq Ghazi in Hyderabad in 1992. He was then associated with the daily “Indian Express”. Motivated by Tariq Ghazi, K. N. Wasif moved to Saudi Arabia and worked for an architectural magazine. He is a well known person in social and literary circles of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.