The Praise is That He is Tahir Bhai

Maruti Wani3 October 2025

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Special on Tahir Ali’s 71st Birthday – October 3

Known for His Public Relations Style Among Journalists, Politicians, and Bureaucrats
— Suresh Gupta

Syed Tahir Ali, fondly referred to as T.A., turns 71 and enters his 72nd year. On the occasion of his birthday, it is apt not only to offer congratulations from friends and colleagues but also to reflect on his personality and accomplishments.
Tahir Bhai spent 34 years in the Public Relations Department, serving in various capacities until retiring as Joint Director. Before evaluating his efficiency and professional skills as a PR officer, Tahir Bhai should be understood as a person.
Born on October 3, 1954, in a well-educated and cultured family in Bhopal, Tahir Bhai is recognized as a humble, gentle, and exceptionally well-mannered individual—a rare distinction. He has embodied the spirit of Ganga-Jamuni culture throughout his life. With these qualities, he has made the complex and challenging work of government public relations seem effortless. Rarely, if ever, has he failed in fulfilling his PR responsibilities, even during crises. New PR officers can learn from his tact, professionalism, and warm relations with journalists.
Sometimes, being polite and soft-spoken can make one a target of ridicule, but Tahir Bhai has never faced that because of his unmatched skill in maintaining relationships. A few examples illustrate this: In 1987, he served as the District Public Relations Officer in Chhindwara under Collector IAS Shri Antony D’Sa. While most PROs build good relations with capable collectors, Tahir Bhai maintained his bond with Shri D’Sa even after he became Chief Secretary and later RERA Chairman. He also has cordial relationships with many senior IAS officers and maintains connections with former Chief Election Commissioner Shri O.P. Rawat.
Over the years, Tahir Bhai has closely worked with many senior ministers, including Deputy Chief Minister Shri Rajendra Shukla, and continues to serve as his Media Advisor even post-retirement. Once he commits to someone, he devotes his heart, mind, and efforts completely.
While many influencers come and go, in my opinion, none match Tahir Bhai. His social, political, and administrative influence can only be understood by working with him or delegating tasks to him. It is often said that one can be completely confident when work is entrusted to him—and rightly so.
Before entering government service, it is unclear what he did, but perhaps like any ordinary person, he slept on simple bedding. In government service, however, he metaphorically “covered himself” with his work, earning the distinction of an accomplished PR officer. He is hardworking, competent, and has consistently embodied dedication.
Tahir Bhai’s journey to becoming a skilled PR officer was not inherited; it was earned through humility, willingness to learn, seeking collaboration, and delivering results above expectations. He never hesitated to acknowledge contributions at the right time and place, making him respected and rare.
Tahir Bhai maintains close, warm relations with journalists. He is cheerful, lively, and jovial. He celebrates Hindu and Muslim festivals, family occasions, and personal milestones with equal joy, spreading happiness around him—a rare quality. He has now also passed on this tradition to his only son, Asim.
Regarding his family background, Tahir Bhai is the heir of the renowned scholar and historian, the late Dr. Syed Ashfaq Ali, who served as Principal of Safia College for 18 years and documented Bhopal’s history in Bhopal Past and Present. Tahir Bhai’s ability to blend heritage with the present has made him kind-hearted, cheerful, and socially graceful.
We wish him a long life. Even if Bhopal does not recognize him today, it surely will in the future. In the end, the praise remains simple: he is Tahir Bhai.