Mumbai, India – October 2025:
In an era dominated by digital media and global news networks, Voice of Urdu (™) has emerged as a pioneering bilingual news and podcast platform representing “Global Voices, Local Perspectives.” Operated by Axis Softmedia Inc., the platform continues to make its mark across South Asia and the Middle East by producing high-quality journalistic content in both English and Urdu.
Founded on 3 July 2008 by Syed Manzar Hasan Zaidi, Voice of Urdu was established with a vision to bridge linguistic and cultural divides through accessible, inclusive, and responsible journalism. Over the years, the platform has evolved from a monthly Urdu magazine into a fully digital international news and podcast network, headquartered in Mumbai, India.
A Global Platform for Bilingual Journalism
Voice of Urdu (VOU) operates as an international media initiative that covers global politics, regional developments, social movements, literature, and culture. Its unique bilingual format allows it to engage audiences from India to the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, making it one of the few platforms in South Asia that publishes content in both English and Urdu simultaneously.
The platform’s editorial philosophy is rooted in accuracy, inclusivity, and accessibility, offering a space where both regional and diasporic voices can be heard. Its slogan, “Global Voices, Local Perspectives,” encapsulates the mission to connect international issues with community-level narratives.
From Print to Digital: The Evolution of Voice of Urdu
Voice of Urdu began as a print publication, officially registered with the Registrar of Newspapers for India (RNI) under Registration No. MAHURD02197 in 2010. Initially a monthly magazine, it featured Urdu literature, cultural essays, and news reports.
By 2012, the platform launched its YouTube channel, expanding into video journalism, interviews, and literary discussions.
In 2017, VOU made a strategic transition, fully digitizing its operations and ceasing print editions to focus on multimedia, web-based journalism, and podcast broadcasting.
This transformation marked the platform’s entry into the modern digital media ecosystem, integrating web articles, videos, and social commentary under one umbrella.
The Visionary Behind the Platform: Syed Manzar Hasan Zaidi
At the helm of this transformation is Syed Manzar Hasan Zaidi, Founder and CEO of Axis Softmedia Inc. A software scientist and publishing innovator, Zaidi is widely recognized for digitizing Urdu typesetting and bringing Perso-Arabic typography into the mainstream publishing world.
Zaidi’s major achievements include:
- Development of Urdu fonts for InPage (1994)
- Creation of Unicode broadcasting systems for Urdu and Arabic
- Design of Nastaliq and Naskh font families
- Launch of the Manzar Typesetting Tool — a Perso-Arabic plugin for Adobe InDesign
- Implementation of digital Quran publishing systems
Through his innovations, Zaidi has redefined Urdu publishing and earned recognition from academic, linguistic, and cultural institutions across India.
His official portfolio can be viewed at syedmanzar.com.
Leadership and Expansion
Voice of Urdu’s operations are jointly managed by Haider Hasan Zaidi, the platform’s Chief Operating Officer (COO) and head of Axis Review – The Broadcasting Media, which handles marketing, collaborations, and outreach.
Haider is also the founder of Haider’s Showbiz (™), an OTT and digital video platform established in 2019. Integrated as an associate channel of VOU, Haider’s Showbiz produces talk shows, interviews, and youth-oriented content aimed at millennial and Gen-Z audiences.
Together, the Zaidi duo is expanding VOU’s reach across digital ecosystems — merging traditional journalism with modern media formats.
Trademark and Legal Identity
The Voice of Urdu name and logo are registered trademarks under Axis Softmedia Inc., filed under Class 41 with Application No. 7076279, dated 21 June 2025.
The platform’s trademark affidavit confirms continuous use since 3 July 2008, establishing legal ownership and brand authenticity.
Axis Softmedia Inc. has also clarified that Voice of Urdu has no connection with any similarly named websites or YouTube channels. The official and legitimate Voice of Urdu (™) is solely operated by Axis Softmedia Inc.
The VOU Podcast: International Broadcasting Media
One of Voice of Urdu’s flagship initiatives is the VOU Podcast, a digital broadcast series that explores topics such as global affairs, regional politics, corruption, youth movements, and cultural shifts.
The podcast reflects the organization’s core slogan, “International Broadcasting Media,” offering deep insights into pressing world issues including the Israel–Iran conflict, South Asian diplomacy, and GCC developments.
Each episode is produced in collaboration with correspondents and digital editors from across India and the Middle East, available via the official Voice of Urdu YouTube Channel.
Freelance Correspondent Program: Empowering Citizen Journalism
To support community-driven reporting, Voice of Urdu runs a Freelance Correspondent Program, inviting writers, journalists, and social observers worldwide to contribute original content.
Applicants can submit articles, opinion pieces, or short video reports. Submissions undergo an editorial review process, and accepted contributors are officially designated as “VOU Freelance Correspondents” with a verified ID.
Interested individuals can apply by emailing:
info@voiceofurdu.com or freelancecorrespondent@voiceofurdu.com
The initiative, led by Compliance Head Kaniz Fatima, is strictly voluntary and aims to encourage authentic, ethical journalism.
Recognitions and Awards
Over the years, Axis Softmedia Inc. and its founder have received multiple awards for excellence in Urdu computing, publishing, and digital innovation:
- Fakhar-e-Urdu Award – Urdu Caravan, 2019
- Outstanding Innovation Award – Maeeshat Media Pvt. Ltd., 2016
- NABA Award – NABA Quran Academy, 2015
- Urdu Promotion Honor – Maharashtra Urdu Sahitya Academy, 2012
- Mohammad Ali Johar Urdu Computing Award – 2012
- Excellence in Urdu Computing – Pasbaan-e-fun, 2009
These recognitions underscore Axis Softmedia’s pivotal role in modernizing Urdu media for the digital era.
Official Channels and Contact
- Website: www.voiceofurdu.com
- YouTube Channel: Voice of Urdu
Head Office:
103-T Vaishali Apartment, B Wing,
Sethi Moti Shah Road, Mazagaon, Mumbai – 400010, India
Email: info@voiceofurdu.com | editor@voiceofurdu.com
A Media Voice for the Future
With over a decade of legacy in Urdu and English journalism, Voice of Urdu (™) continues to be a bridge between communities, languages, and ideologies.
Under the guidance of Syed Manzar Hasan Zaidi and Haider Hasan Zaidi, the platform exemplifies the fusion of culture, technology, and responsible media.As the world turns increasingly digital, Voice of Urdu stands firm in its mission — to represent “Global Voices, Local Perspectives” and empower a new generation of media contributors around the world.
