Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, June 13: The Department of Urdu, University of Jammu, today organised a one-day national seminar on the topic “Contributions of Dogra rulers in the Development of Urdu Languages in Jammu and Kashmir.”
The event was presided over by renowned historian Prof Jigar Mohammed. Ajat Shatru Singh attended as the chief guest, while Prof Meena Sharma, Dean of Planning & Development, was the guest of honour. Prof Shohab Inayat Malik, HoD Urdu and Dr Mohammed Reyaz Ahmed, were also on the dais.
In his presidential address, Prof Jigar Mohammed emphasized the significant contributions of Dogra rulers, particularly noting that the history of Jammu and Kashmir was documented in Urdu during Maharaja Gulab Singh’s reign. He highlighted that Maharaja Gulab Singh established relations with the Mughal emperors in Lahore and Delhi, bringing Urdu-speaking people to the region and introducing Urdu Ghazal singers to Jammu.
Ajat Shatru Singh highlighted Maharaja Pratap Singh’s decision to make Urdu official language of J&K in 1889 and discussed the broader vision of the Dogra rulers for promoting Urdu. He noted that Maharaja Ranbir Singh established a translation society, a library, and a press to publish Urdu books and newspapers.
Prof Shohab Inayat Malik provided a historical overview of Urdu’s entry into Jammu, first during the regime of Maharaja Gulab Singh after 1846. “Urdu entered the Government offices during the period of Maharaja Ranbir Singh. Then it was Maharaja Partap Singh who made Urdu official language in 1889. Maharaja Hari Singh and Dr Karan Singh also contributed in the development of Urdu language,” he explained.
Prof Meena Sharma also spoke on the occasion. Prof Mohd. Reyaz Ahmed presented the welcome address while Dr Chaman Lal presented a vote of thanks. The proceeding of function was conducted by Dr Farhat Shamim.
Later, two academic sessions were held in which Dr Irfan Alam, Dr Asif Malik, Dr Chaman Lal, Dr T R Raina, K D Mani, Dr Abdul Rashid Manhas and others presented the research papers.
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