Mandakini Mishra/Raipur

Among the changing landscape of journalism, Haji Dr. Mohsin Ali Suhail upholds profession’s dignity, honesty, and responsibility.

He is one of the most respected journalists of Chhattisgarh known for his fearless, people-centric journalism with an unwavering commitment to truth.

He hopes the younger generation of reporters will uphold honesty and depth. “Don’t chase only breaking news,” he advises. “Go deep into society’s roots. Journalism means bringing change, and change comes only when we show the truth. If there is honesty and factual accuracy, any journalist can make an impact—even without a big platform.”

 Haji Dr. Mohsin Ali Suhail with former chief minister Raman Singh

Born on 7 May 1953, Suhail displayed curiosity and social awareness from an early age. Even as a schoolboy, he recalls, he was in the habit of questioning everything. “Whenever there was a problem in the village,” he says, “I would wonder why people stayed silent. I decided back then that when I grew up, I would raise my voice.”

His professional journey began in 1979 with a local newspaper. Resources were scarce, but his determination was boundless. He still remembers the thrill of seeing his first byline in print—and the deeper fulfilment when people told him that his reporting had helped solve their problem. For Suhail, that was the truest reward.

From print, he gradually expanded into electronic and digital journalism, reporting on politics, governance, social issues, and the daily struggles of ordinary people. Known for his probing questions and well-documented reports, he has consistently gone beyond the surface, building his reputation on accuracy and accountability. His work has often focused on politics, inequality, education, healthcare, and grassroots development—issues that touch everyday lives.

 Haji Dr. Mohsin Ali Suhail distributing awards at a function

Today, Suhail serves as Editor of the Urdu daily “Almukaddas” published from Chhattisgarh. Over the years he has held key roles: News Chief (Chhattisgarh) at Raj Express, Advisory Editor at National Look (Raipur), and editorial positions with DainikKarnpriya (Korba), DainikNyayadhish (Lucknow, Allahabad), Hindustan Mail, Vyapar Herald (Lucknow), and as founding Editor-Publisher of Raipur Samachar.

His work has also taken him to international platforms. He has represented India at major Urdu conferences and literary gatherings across London, Zanzibar, Sharjah, Tehran, Mashhad, Qom, Amman, Syria, Karbala, Najaf, Mecca, Medina, Jeddah, Kuwait, Karachi, Hyderabad, and Lahore, among other places.

The path of fearless journalism, however, has never been easy. There have been attempts to suppress his reports and pressure him into silence. “Sometimes it feels,” he admits, “that telling the truth is the biggest crime. But I have decided my pen will not bow down to fear. Whatever the pressure, real journalism is about writing the truth.”

In Chhattisgarh, Suhail is counted among those rare journalists who have consistently placed public interest above all else, giving voice to the struggles of ordinary citizens. His frank criticism of flawed government policies has often made headlines. At the same time, his active presence on social and digital media has earned him popularity among younger audiences.

Haji Dr. Mohsin Ali Suhail with cricketer Syed Kirmani

For him, journalism is not just a profession but a social responsibility. “A journalist’s job is not to flatter power,” he says. “It is to build a bridge between the people and those in power, to ensure that the voice of the public reaches the authorities.”

Several of his reports have produced tangible outcomes. His exposé on the failing health system in Raipur and surrounding districts prompted the government to investigate shortages of doctors, medicines, and basic hospital infrastructure.

His series on rural education exposed schools without teachers and collapsing buildings, leading to new appointments and repairs. His investigations into corruption in local bodies, backed by documents, led to disciplinary action against officials.

Equally, he has highlighted “smaller” but urgent issues—water scarcity, power cuts, broken roads—arguing that journalism must address both large policies and everyday hardships.

His work has earned wide recognition. In 2010, he received an honorary doctorate (Vidya Vachaspati) from the University of Delhi. He has been honoured with the Nisare Adab award by Husaini Islamic Mission (London), the Mohsine Adab award by Padma Shri Dr. Sardar Anjum, and the Sadbhavana award from the Chhattisgarh Minority Commission for his service to Urdu. Other accolades include the Mohsine Millat Award, Amir Khusro Award, Sujan Shri Award (Jaipur), Chhattisgarh Ratna Samman, Komy Ekta Award, Pasbane Adab Samman, and Samaj Seva Samman

 Haji Dr. Mohsin Ali Suhail receiving an award

As an author, Suhail has published several books, including: EhsaasePanjtan – Naate Paak Salat Nauhe (Hindi, Urdu, English); AndherUjale (ghazals in Hindi, Urdu, English); Ehsaase Watan (ghazals in three languages); Roshni Ki Lakeeren; Suhail Ki Ghazlen; and Fikre Mohsin. His works reflect the same commitment to truth, sensitivity, and cultural richness that define his journalism.

Beyond the newsroom, he has been deeply engaged in literary and social work. He was a member of the formation committees of the Chhattisgarh Urdu Academy (2004, 2005, 2014), contributed to the Madarsa Board and Islamic Madarsa Committee, and worked to provide free Urdu, Arabic, and Hindi education to children from marginalized communities. He has served on the State Haj Committee, Waqf Board, and Madarsa Board, consistently championing the Urdu language and minority rights.

He is also the founding president of Chhattisgarh Gulistan Adab, a leading Urdu literary organisation, and has edited and published important works such as Gulistan Adab (2000), Gulista (2001), Rahbare Urdu, and Safar Ameer Ke Ghazlen by Ameer Ali Ameer. He has also edited the works of his father, Haji Hasan Ali Hasan, including Kahin Dhoop Kahin Chhaav, Sifarish Hasan, and Kuch Saaya Kuch Dhoop.

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Through his journalism, books, activism, and mentorship, Mohsin Ali Suhail embodies a rare blend of integrity, social commitment, and literary depth. At a time when public values are often eroded, he continues to uphold the belief that the pen is a public trust—meant to amplify the voices of those who might otherwise remain unheard.