New Delhi, 06 February (H.S.): The three-day World Urdu Conference, themed Urdu Language and Culture in Multilingual India, commenced today at the Prime Ministers' Museum with a ceremonial lamp-lighting inauguration. Organized by the National Council for Promotion of Urdu Language (NCPUL), the event drew distinguished figures including former Minister of State for External Affairs M.J. Akbar, former Aligarh Muslim University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Tariq Mansoor, Maulana Azad National Urdu University (Hyderabad) Vice-Chancellor Prof. Syed Ainul Hasan, and Jashn-e-Bahar Trust founder Kamna Prasad.
NCPUL Director Dr. Shams Iqbal welcomed the guests by draping shawls over their shoulders and presenting mementos. In his address, Dr. Iqbal highlighted Urdu's uniqueness among India's myriad languages: it lacks a specific geographic confine yet resonates across every region.
By 2047, as India celebrates 'Viksit Bharat,' the role of our languages will be pivotal, he stated. Integrating Urdu with modern technology and adapting it to contemporary needs is essential.
He outlined key conference topics, extended a warm welcome to domestic and international delegates, and expressed gratitude to Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and the Government of India for facilitating the event.M.J. Akbar: Urdu Demands Passion, Not Just AffectionAs chief guest, M.J. Akbar shared a personal reflection: I learned Urdu from my mother.
He described it as a language that blooms not from mere love but from fervent passion. Urdu belongs to no single religion, yet the 1947 tragedy fueled misconceptions—we must not fall prey to them, Akbar asserted. Surveying the audience, he noted, Here sit those who cherish and embrace Urdu.
He proclaimed Urdu as India's core identity: Without it, the nation would weaken. It is the language of love, evidenced by the roaring success of Urdu book fairs. Keep your heart and mind pure toward it.
Kamna Prasad illuminated multilingual India's landscape, detailing the nation's linguistic tapestry. He emphasized Urdu's genesis from millennia of civilizational intermingling, its imprints visible in diverse Indian tongues.
Blends of Arabic, Persian, Sanskrit, and more have sweetened it over time, he said. In places, it voices romance; elsewhere, it roared for independence.
Linguistic fusion continues—this is the demand of our era.Prof. Syed Ainul Hasan: Urdu's Generosity and WitProf. Syed Ainul Hasan extolled Urdu's inclusivity and harmonious blends with other languages. He delved into its sweetness alongside humor, satire, and nuance: Urdu honors all. Film songs exemplify refined, melodic expression—who can deny its popularity? He quipped, Urdu carries a unique 'namak' (salt)—transforming it into the language of emotions.
Special guest Prof. Tariq Mansoor lauded the conference's organization. India is extraordinarily rich in languages, he observed, citing NCPUL's successful book fairs in various cities as proof of Urdu's ubiquity, backed by data showing speakers nationwide. Personal efforts are vital to boost its popularity.Preserving its script and promoting learning are crucial for survival.
Referencing the National Education Policy 2020's emphasis on mother tongues, he urged Urdu communities to leverage it. Urdu is purely Indian, tied to no class. This World Urdu Conference will propel its success and propagation.
The inauguration featured the release of NCPUL's publication Viksit Bharat ka Vision aur Urdu Zaban—a compilation of research papers from the previous World Urdu Conference and a Patna seminar, edited by Dr. Mohammad Shams Iqbal.Dr. Hafizur Rahman (Convener, Khusro Foundation, New Delhi) moderated the session, while Dr. Shama Kausar Yazdani (Assistant Director, Academics, NCPUL) proposed the vote of thanks.
The event concluded with the national anthem.Post-Inauguration: Humor-Filled Cultural ExtravaganzaFollowing the formalities, the MA Ansari Auditorium at Jamia Millia Islamia hosted Humorbaaz, a comedic cultural program featuring renowned actor and comedian Rehman Khan alongside his troupe. Dr. Javed Hasan introduced the show, captivating attendees including international delegates, NCPUL dignitaries, officials, and a large audience.
This conference underscores Urdu's enduring vitality in India's multilingual ethos, blending tradition with forward-looking advocacy.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
