Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Nov 19: In a significant gathering organized by the Iqra Foundation J&K, Urdu authors, poets, and scholars from Jammu and Kashmir came together to discuss strategies for promoting the Urdu language.
Chaired by Qudous Javed, the event addressed ending Urdu’s exclusive status and its promotion at school, college level.
Distinguished attendees included Khalid Hussain, Wali Mohammed Aseer, Prof Mohd Assadullah Wani, Dr Abdul Mejeed, Dr Mushtaq Ahmed Wani, Ameen Banihali, Khurshid Kazmi, Rashid Ahmed Fani, Ghulam Ahmed Khwaja (Retd DC), Mohd Aslam Qureshi (Retd DC), Tanveer Iqbal Malik, Tariq Ali Raza, Fozia Mughal, Dr Shahida Parveen, Dr Mohd Maqeem, Ghulam Qadir, Sadaket Malik, Ch Mohd. Shabir (Retd SSP), and Dr Arshad Wali.
The speakers highlighted the historical significance, noting that Urdu became the official language in 1889 during Maharaja Pratap Singh’s rule, a decision made by Dogra ruler Maharaja Ranbir Singh. Emphasizing the diverse linguistic landscape of J&K, with Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh having distinct cultures and languages, speakers explained how Urdu was chosen as the link and official language.
Expressing concern over the declining number of Urdu speakers, the speakers cited Census data from 2011 and raised questions about the exclusion of Urdu from the New Education Policy. They urged the Government to recognize Urdu as a national language , given its significance among the minority population.
Addressing these concerns, the speakers proposed measures to enhance the standard of Urdu schools, highlighting the importance of local involvement and Government policies.
The intellectuals called for improvements in the quality and environment of Urdu schools in Jammu and Kashmir and stressed the need to establish Urdu schools in states with a considerable Urdu-speaking population. They lamented the decreasing number of Urdu teachers at the school and college levels, emphasizing the importance of Urdu as a major subject.
The program’s proceedings were conducted by Shahid Saleem, President Tehreek- i- Urdu, and the vote of thanks was presented by Shabir Rather, President Iqra Foundation J&K.
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