Syed Manzar Hasan Zaidi
Syed Manzar Hasan Zaidi – سید منظر حسن زیدی
The company's founder and CEO is Syed Manzar Hasan Zaidi. He is a skilled businessman and computer scientist with in-depth knowledge of the Perso-Arabic publishing sector. Zaidi specialises in creating software solutions that address the particular difficulties of typesetting complicated languages. Zaidi, who was born and raised in Mumbai, India, has always followed his passion for technology. He obtained a degree in computer science from a reputable university and developed his software development abilities through a variety of work experiences. When Zaidi recognised the need for a typesetting tool that could effectively handle complex languages, his entrepreneurial journey began.
Software development firm Axis SoftMedia Inc. is situated in Mumbai, India. In 2005, Syed Manzar Hasan Zaidi started it. The Manzar Typesetting Tool for Adobe InDesign, the company's flagship product, is well recognised for having achieved substantial notoriety and success in the publishing sector.
Contents
Early life
Eldest among his six brothers and younger to his only sister, Syed Manzar is endowed with a keen interest in computer technology. Born on October 15, 1966 (3 Shaban شعبان) in Mumbai, an island city of Maharashtra state in India. The industrious son of a well-known businessman, Syed Mukhtar Hasan Zaidi (Abu Bhai), Manzar accomplished his Master’s Degree in computer application (MCA) quite early in his life, while still doing 12th standard, as a part time course from APTECH institute of the city. Being an Urdu medium student who did his schooling from Anjuman Khair-ul-Islam (Mumbai), Manzar had a deep feeling for Urdu as the language suffered from many of the handicap in its printing technology. This love for the language blossomed into versatile Urdu Unicode Fonts, developed by Manzar and his core team of professionals that helps Urdu publishing houses in multifarious ways.
Philanthropy
A man with a rare philanthropic temperament, Manzar at times go out of the way to bail out his friends and even strangers from thorny situations. In 21'st century where competition is the buzzword, Manzar still believes in cooperation and collaboration. Philanthropy may have become a style statement of today's elites but Manzar, in his own inimitable style, is practicing it since his adolescence, much ahead of what business magnates Bill Gates and Warren Buffett are doing today, albeit, this may be a peanut compared to the latter altruistic endeavour on global scale.
Recognition
It is the first company in India which has worked on Urdu TrueType & OpenType fonts *(1). The company primarily focused on Urdu fonts and calligraphy research. In due course it has emerged as a full-fledged Perso-Arabic calligraphic research centre, inviting the best calligraphers from across the globe to contribute.
- (1) Before InPage all Urdu fonts in India were Bitmap based.
History
Syed Manzar established Axis SoftMedia Pvt. Ltd. (Centre for Research in Digital Calligraphy), a font-developing research-lab based in Mumbai, India that primarily develops fonts that have Perso-Arabic origin. The company was established in 1992 to cater to the needs of the Perso-Arabic Publishing Market and the computing world. The company develops all fonts of InPage Urdu Software except Noori Nastaliq. It is the first company in India which has worked on Urdu TrueType & OpenType fonts *(1). The company primarily focused on Urdu fonts and calligraphy research. In due course it has emerged as a full-fledged Perso-Arabic calligraphic research centre, inviting the best calligraphers from across the globe to contribute.
- (1) Before InPage all Urdu fonts in India were Bitmap based.
Axis SoftMedia Inc. was established in 2005 by Syed Manzar Hasan Zaidi, a visionary entrepreneur with a passion for software development. Manzar recognized the need for a robust typesetting tool that could simplify and streamline the publishing process, particularly for complex languages like Arabic and Urdu. Under Zaidi’s leadership, the company assembled a talented team of developers and designers who shared his vision. They worked tirelessly to develop a ground breaking typesetting tool that would revolutionize the publishing industry. After years of research and development, the team successfully launched the Manzar Typesetting Tool for Adobe InDesign in 2017.
Product
Manzar Typesetting Tool Manzar Perso-Arabic Typesetting Tool is the unique typographic Plugin that the ever-changing publishing world has been craving for since long, but for various reasons particularly on the R & D front, this thirst could not be quenched at that time. Despite this, Manzar mocked negativity and remained religiously involved in creating user-friendly software’s to benefit Perso-Arabic publishing industry. There has been a void, strongly felt vacuum in Urdu publishing industry. It has not seen any significant change in the way the text is being produced, either in newspapers and magazines or in books, posters or brochures etc. Manzar improves on the richness of your text in Adobe InDesign on Windows. What could Manzar be used for? Manzar works with all right-to-left languages. Manzar makes your Urdu, Arabic, Persian, Kashmiri, Pashto, Hazargi, Saraiki, Sindhi layouts look extremely attractive and elegant. It provides all the tools which enhances the text altogether. It has a unique feature of Nuqta and Aerab-mover which enables you to select the Nuqta and Aerab to reposition it. It also has different variants of Kasheeda for Nastaliq. It provides different shapes of one letter. One can extend the Kasheeda as per one’s wish. Its uniqueness also lies in the feature which allows users to track and kern every word, to be more precise, every ligature and re-position as one wishes. For the first time in about the last three decades, Urdu typesetting will witness a sea-change in the way text, small and big, is being treated. It would do wonders, literally, for graphic designers, layout artists, publishers, marketing professionals, advertisement agencies, television and films. You can use Manzar to create virtually any kind of print or digital format – flyers, brochures, presentations, magazines, newspapers, posters, banners, logos, headlines, business cards, postcards, stickers, comics, newspapers and books. You can also publish content specific to hand-held devices and tablets, YouTube videos, film and TV titles. Manzar enables its users to use a wide range of fonts that comes with it and fully take advantage of its typographic features, namely Ali Nastaliq, Manzar Noori Nastaliq, Manzar Lahori Nastaliq and Manzar Quranic Naskh. Notable Achievements The Manzar Typesetting Tool has garnered widespread recognition and acclaim in the publishing industry. Its advanced capabilities and user-friendly interface have earned it numerous accolades and awards. Publishers and designers around the world have praised the tool for its ability to handle complex scripts with ease and efficiency. The tool has been particularly impactful in regions where complex languages are prevalent, such as the Middle East, South Asia, and North Africa. It has significantly reduced the time and effort required for typesetting and layout creation in these regions, enabling publishers to produce high-quality publications more efficiently.
Awards and Recognition
Syed Manzar Hasan Zaidi: 1. Excellence in Urdu Computing
◦ Issued by: Pasbaan-e-Fun, Malegaon, Dist. Nashik, Maharashtra
◦ Date: May 2009
◦ Associated with: Axis SoftMedia.
◦ Details: Awarded for achievements and excellence in Urdu computing, specifically for contributions in Urdu printing technology
and the development of Urdu Fonts.
2. Contribution in Urdu
◦ Issued by: Urdu Academy Delhi
◦ Date: March 2007
◦ Associated with: Axis SoftMedia.
◦ Details: Awarded to InPage Urdu for contributions to the Urdu language.
3. Mohammad Ali Johar Urdu Computing Award
◦ Issued by: Abu Huraira Model School Society, Firozabad, UP, India
◦ Date: March 2012
◦ Associated with: Axis SoftMedia.
◦ Details: Honored for work on digital Urdu calligraphy, specifically awarded the Moulana Mohammad Ali Johar Urdu Computing
Award.
4. Digital Calligraphy Award
◦ Issued by: Unique Educational Society
◦ Date: April 2012
◦ Associated with: Axis SoftMedia.
◦ Details: Conferred for contributions to digitize Urdu script, particularly in the field of digital calligraphy.
5. Promotion and Digitization of Urdu Language
◦ Issued by: Maharashtra State Urdu Sahitya Academy
◦ Date: July 2012
◦ Associated with: Axis SoftMedia.
◦ Details: Awarded for the promotion and digitization of the Urdu language.
6. Momento of Appreciation
◦ Issued by: www.bhindibazaar.asia
◦ Date: September 2013
◦ Associated with: Axis SoftMedia.
◦ Details: Conferred by BhindiBazaar.asia for dedication, commitment, and devotion to the Urdu language.
7. NABA Award
◦ Issued by: NABA Quran Academy
◦ Date: August 2015
◦ Associated with: Axis SoftMedia.
◦ Details: Honored for work on digital Quranic calligraphy.
8. Outstanding Innovation Award 2015
◦ Issued by: Maeeshat Media
◦ Date: January 2016
◦ Associated with: Axis SoftMedia.
◦ Details: Awarded for outstanding innovation, specifically for work on Ali Nastaliq.
Mission
The mission of Syed Manzar Hasan Zaidi and Axis SoftMedia Inc., is to revolutionize the publishing industry by providing innovative and efficient typesetting solutions that cater to the unique challenges of complex languages. Zaidi's vision is to simplify the process of typesetting and layout creation, enabling publishers to produce high-quality publications with ease and efficiency. By developing cutting-edge software tools like the Manzar Typesetting Tool, Zaidi aims to empower publishers, editors, and designers worldwide, making complex language typesetting accessible and streamlined. Vision Zaidi's vision for Axis SoftMedia Inc., is to become the global leader in typesetting solutions, particularly for languages with complex scripts. He envisions a future where publishers no longer face barriers or limitations when working with complex languages like Arabic, Urdu, and other right-to-left scripts. Zaidi aims to provide tools that seamlessly integrate with existing publishing workflows, offering intuitive interfaces and advanced features that simplify the typesetting process. His vision is to create a world where publishers can effortlessly produce beautifully designed publications in any language, contributing to cultural diversity and global communication. Zaidi's commitment to innovation and continuous improvement drives the company's vision forward. He emphasizes the importance of staying at the forefront of technological advancements and understanding the evolving needs of the publishing industry. Zaidi envisions Axis SoftMedia Inc., as a hub of creativity and expertise, constantly pushing boundaries and setting new standards for typesetting solutions. Through strategic partnerships and collaborations, he aims to expand the company's reach and influence, making their tools accessible to publishers and designers worldwide. Published Work
InPage ان پیج
Syed Manzar worked on Urdu fonts since 1992. By the end of 1994 forty (40) ASCII based True Type Urdu fonts were developed which was launched with InPage1.0 in 1994. This has virtually catapulted Urdu into the league of other Indo-Aryan languages. Urdu Unicode ASCII System for broadcasters Many Urdu News Channels employed this technology to bring about quality improvement in news presentation. Unlike news channels in other languages, Urdu channels suffered from (Urdu) font handicap. ETV – Urdu, Hyderabad desperate to resolve the stalemate got in touch with Syed Manzar. He, along with ETV’s technical team worked out a solution that has brought Urdu on a par with other major languages. This enabled ETV to run its tickers, headlines, graphics and teleprompting exclusively in Urdu language. Later, Door Darshan, Sahara TV, Munsif TV and scores of other news broadcasters too used the expertise to do away with similar hiccup. A plethora of international news channels too employed this to beautify their presentations. SunSilk Cosmetics The cosmetic company that develops a battery of skin care and hair products was launching its worldwide campaign to boost the popularity of its product – SunSilk shampoo in 2010. The advertisement used dotted fonts in every major global language. Manzar was roped in to develop similar fonts in Urdu and Bengali languages which he did quite effectively. Faiz Lahori Nastaliq لاہوری نستعلیق فیض The Urdu publishing and computing world have long been looking for a new font. A font that is not only aesthetically fine but also technically supportive by developing Faiz Lahori Nastaliq. In 2006 the team of experts headed by Syed Manzar developed a most flexible font called Faiz Nastaliq with Kashish which is considered as a panacea for Urdu publishing world. Faiz Nastaliq is specially created for those who are fond of Lahori Nastaliq. It not only enriches InPage Version 3 but also makes it the most comprehensive Urdu typesetting and designing tool in publishing industry. Faiz Nastaliq gives the designers and publishers the most in dispensable high-quality typesetting for literary academic production. It provides ligatures to shape writing of different genre, poetry, prose, blank verse, etc. It is a delight of designers. It will help them enhance the designs of the magazines, hoardings, posters, advertisement and newspapers. Corporate user swill be pleased to discover Faiz Nastaliq effective protection of their investment in proprietary typography. What is Faiz Nastaliq? Faiz Nastaliq is a dream comes true. The type face is designed on the rules & scales of Lahori Nastaliq script set by Late Faiz Katib (1912–1986). Faiz Nastaliq is an innovative set of Fonts for InPage Version 3 that has been specifically developed for Urdu publishing world. It integrates traditional calligraphy with modern typefaces, giving designers the freedom, they need to remain creative in today's world. By adding Faiz Nastaliq, InPage Version 3 truly becomes the most comprehensive Urdu typesetting and designing tool in the industry. Why Faiz Nastaliq? Urdu typography has been a great challenge for the printing and publishing industry. Because it is composed of complex and shifting letters, typesetting technology based on letter analysis could not render the richness of the script. It is for this reason that Syed Manzar, has developed Faiz Nastaliq by analysing individual pen strokes and creating a clear and limited set of rules. Faiz Nastaliq is a true breakthrough in Urdu typography as it allows InPage Version 3 users to fully express the enormous variability of Urdu letters. Faiz Nastaliq returns to the sources of the Urdu script traditions, providing today's generation of high-tech designers with greater freedom and offering them a real Urdu-friendly design environment. The ingenious interface and set of Urdu-related features are ideal to create richer, more complex Urdu typography. Faiz Nastaliq let you work better and faster than ever. Why it is unique? Urdu typography, so far, was devoid of 'Kashish' feature of words & ligature. Faiz Nastaliq Kasheeda enriches the publishing world with this beautiful feature and blesses the documents & published data with true flavour of Urdu calligraphy. All the unique ligatures that are used in the font are without 'Nuqta' and 'Aeraab' unlike other Nastaliq fonts. It covers up to 10%less space than available Nastaliq fonts and looks extremely attractive in 'Kashish' with kerning.
External links
• Linkedin -[1] • Facebook -[2]
References
[1]https://mumbaimirror.indiatimes.com/others/sunday-read/hope-for-nawayathi/articleshow/67402293.cms [2]https://www.bbc.com/urdu/india/2009/03/090327_quran_computer_uk [3]https://maeeshat.in/syed-manzar-the-man-behind-digital-revival-of-urdu/ [4]https://ummid.com/news/2016/January/30.01.2016/minorities-urged-to-take-benfits-of-start-up-india=action-plan.html [5]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l5lNeIy7T5o
