TheCconnects: Welcome, Syed Hashim Adil. It’s a great honour to have you with us today. To begin, could you share a bit about your remarkable professional journey and how you arrived at your multifaceted role as a High Court Advocate, Psychologist, Family Counsellor, and esteemed journalist? Additionally, please tell us about your contributions as a Life Member of the Indian Red Cross Society and International Youth Hostel, and your role as National Joint Secretary of the All India Parents’ Association.
Syed Hashim Adil: Thank you very much . This is nothing but the grace of Almighty of Allah. My journey has been anything but conventional. I began my career with a deep passion for journalism, driven by the urge to give a voice to the underrepresented. Over the past 21 years, I’ve covered everything from local community stories to legislative proceedings. My transition into law was a natural progression; my advocacy for social justice and women’s empowerment led me to pursue legal education. Along the way, I discovered that integrating my refined psychology skills and counselling expertise further enriched my ability to support families and marginalized communities. Today, I seamlessly blend these disciplines, leveraging my experience as a High Court Advocate, Psychologist, and Family Counsellor, with my journalistic background, as well as my contributions as a Life Member of both the Indian Red Cross Society and the International Youth Hostel and my active involvement as the National Joint Secretary of the All India Parents’ Association. This integration allows me to impact areas ranging from legal reform and investigative reporting to offering direct emotional support to those in need.
TheCconnects: Your journey is certainly inspiring. Reflecting on your path, who would you say who has influenced you the most in life, and how have they shaped your perspective?
Syed Hashim Adil: I’ve been fortunate to have many mentors, but my first journalism mentor is my father Syed Dawood Rafique and Prof. Abdur Raheem truly stands out. He instilled in me the importance of empathy in reporting and demonstrated that every story deserves to be told with honesty and compassion. His influence not only refined my approach to journalism but also encouraged me to carry that same empathy into my legal and counselling work. My parents, brothers, family & friends has played a significant role in teaching me perseverance and ethical conduct, which have been essential in navigating both public and professional challenges and remained a strong support with me always.
TheCconnects: With such an extensive and varied career, you must have encountered numerous challenges along the way. Can you share some of the biggest hurdles you’ve faced and how you managed to overcome them?
Syed Hashim Adil: Certainly. The more I work the more I get energy. One of the major challenges has been balancing the demands of high-stakes legal cases with the immediacy and pressure of journalism. Navigating the tension between upholding the truth and dealing with institutional or political pressures has been a recurring obstacle. During such times, I rely heavily on my training in mediation, legal research, and psychology. These tools enable me to dissect complex issues and advocate for justice without compromising my values. Moreover, the personal resilience I’ve cultivated over the years, strengthened by my professional affiliations and community engagements, has been my anchor. Every challenge, whether in the courtroom or in the newsroom, has taught me to view obstacles as opportunities to learn, adapt, and ultimately refine my approach. Every new challenges makes me stronger and prepares me for facing it more efficiently.
TheCconnects: Your career spans multiple disciplines, and with that comes a wealth of experiences. What key lessons have you learned from these diverse professional fields?
Syed Hashim Adil: One of the most critical lessons is the value of empathy. Whether I’m reporting a story, arguing a case, or counselling a family, understanding the human element is essential. It’s this empathy that connects me to the people I serve and ensures that my work resonates on a personal level. Another important lesson is the necessity of adaptability. The digital revolution has dramatically reshaped communication, making it imperative to stay abreast of technological trends and new media practices. Lastly, I’ve learned that integrity is non-negotiable. Consistency in truthfulness and transparency not only builds trust but also lays a strong foundation for long-term success in any field.
TheCconnects: Speaking of the digital age, what do you see as the biggest challenge for brands operating in the digital space, particularly for those in the media and legal fields?
Syed Hashim Adil: In today’s digital landscape, the primary challenge is cutting through the noise. There’s an overwhelming amount of content available, and misinformation can spread rapidly. For media and legal professionals, establishing authenticity and a credible voice is crucial. It’s about striking the right balance between professionalism and relatability, communicating complex legal matters in a way that is both accessible and trustworthy. This challenge, while daunting, also presents a tremendous opportunity for those who can master it by building genuine connections with their audience.
TheCconnects: Your work in journalism and law uniquely positions you to tackle complex societal issues. How do your services help address the pain points faced by your clients and the communities you serve?
Syed Hashim Adil: I see my work as a comprehensive service to society and believes in Service to Man is Service to God. In journalism, I strive to shine a light on injustices and create narratives that not only inform but also inspire change. As a legal practitioner, my focus is on delivering fair and empathetic representation, especially for marginalized groups. I combine legal expertise with psychological insights and counselling skills to provide a holistic support system, addressing legal issues while also considering the emotional and psychological well-being of my clients. This integrated approach empowers individuals and communities to navigate challenges with greater clarity and resilience.
TheCconnects: That’s truly commendable. With so many roles demanding your attention, how do you manage to maintain a healthy work-life balance? What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
Syed Hashim Adil: Balancing multiple roles is indeed a challenge, but it comes down to effective prioritization and mindfulness. When I’m not in court or covering a news story, I turn to travel and exploring different places, cultures as a way to rejuvenate. Traveling offers me fresh perspectives and enriches my understanding of global issues. I’m also an avid foodie; discovering new cuisines is my way of celebrating life’s diversity. Most importantly, spending quality time with my family helps me stay grounded. These personal interests not only provide relaxation but also reinforce my commitment to empathy and balance in my professional endeavours. Not to forget friends with whom I discuss on a lot of subjects.
TheCconnects: You’ve achieved so much over the years. For those aspiring to enter the fields of journalism, law, or digital media, what advice would you offer?
Syed Hashim Adil: My advice is to never stop learning. Whether it’s honing your writing skills, delving into legal intricacies, or mastering digital tools, continuous education is the key to growth. Embrace every opportunity to learn, attend workshops, seek mentorship, and remain curious about new trends. Remember, integrity and empathy are your greatest assets; they will help you navigate challenges and build lasting relationships. And importantly, be patient with yourself. Success is a gradual process, born out of persistent effort, resilience, and a deep-seated commitment to making a positive impact.
TheCconnects: Looking at your extensive experience in both journalism and law, could you share a memorable moment or case that had a significant impact on you?
Syed Hashim Adil: There are many , One case that remains etched in my memory involved a community that had long suffered from systemic legal and social biases. The injustice they endured was not merely a legal matter, it struck a deeply personal chord. Covering their story, and later advocating for legal reforms to address their grievances, was both heart-wrenching and inspiring. The solidarity and support from the community, along with the positive changes that followed, underscored the transformative power of empathy and dedicated advocacy. Moments like these remind me why I chose this path and fuel my ongoing passion for justice.
TheCconnects: It’s clear that your work has had a profound impact on many lives. In addition to your professional achievements, I’m curious, how do you approach mentoring younger professionals in your fields, and why do you believe it’s important?
Syed Hashim Adil: I thank God for everything for selecting me serve the humanity in all the possible ways. Mentoring is a responsibility I cherish deeply. I believe that by sharing my knowledge, experiences and insights, I can help nurture the next generation of journalists, legal advocates, and counsellors. I make it a point to offer guidance on everything from ethical reporting to handling the stress of high-stakes legal work. It’s not just about transferring knowledge, but also about instilling the values of empathy, integrity, and resilience. Mentorship creates a legacy of informed, ethical professionals who are better equipped to tackle future challenges and drive positive change.
TheCconnects: With the rapid evolution of media and technology, how do you see the future of investigative journalism and legal advocacy, especially as digital tools become more integral to our daily lives?
Syed Hashim Adil: The future of investigative journalism and legal advocacy is deeply intertwined with digital innovation. AI is indeed a revolution. The world is at our finger tips. As technology evolves, we have more powerful tools at our disposal, data analytics, social media, and digital storytelling platforms, that can significantly enhance our ability to uncover truths and reach wider audiences. However, the core principles remain unchanged. Integrity, thorough research, leg work and empathy will always be the pillars of quality journalism and legal practice. Embracing these digital tools while maintaining our foundational values will be key to driving forward social progress and ensuring that justice is accessible to all. More challenges means more responsibilities.
TheCconnects: Before we wrap up, could you share any upcoming projects or initiatives that you’re particularly excited about?
Syed Hashim Adil: Absolutely. I’m currently spearheading a multi-faceted initiative that combines my expertise in law, journalism, and counselling to develop a comprehensive community platform. This digital space is designed to foster dialogue on critical social issues, provide legal education, and offer counselling services to those in need. We’re also organizing a series of workshops and webinars focused on media ethics, legal rights, mental health, and digital literacy. The goal is to empower communities with knowledge and resources, thereby driving sustainable change. I’m very excited about the potential of these projects and invite everyone to join us on this journey toward a more just and informed society.
TheCconnects: Thank you, Syed, for sharing such detailed insights and experiences with us today. Your passion, dedication, and holistic approach to addressing societal challenges are truly inspiring. Your journey not only motivates aspiring professionals but also reinforces the importance of empathy, continuous learning, and active community involvement.
Syed Hashim Adil: Thank you. It’s been a pleasure discussing these topics with you. I hope our conversation encourages others to pursue their passions for truth, justice, and meaningful change. Remember, every challenge is an opportunity to learn and grow. Together, we can create a better society and further help in creating meaningful difference in our lives and spread positivity and motivation which in turn changes the other’s lives.
TheCconnects: We look forward to following your future endeavors and the positive impact you continue to make. Thank you once again, and we wish you continued success in all your initiatives.
Syed Hashim Adil: Thank you once again . The journey is ongoing, and I am honored to share it with those who seek to make a difference. I wish best of luck to the team TheCconnects. I end it with my favourite urdu couplet : “ Tum apne liye assaniya talaash karo, humein toh har nai mushkil dhoond leti hai”
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