NEW DELHI, Apr 5: Politicians remember the beauty of Urdu only during elections, and rest of the time, the language remains non-existent for them, a noted poet has said.
“It is only during elections that we see political parties come out and praise and respect Urdu, rest of the time, Urdu remains non-existent for them,” Padma Shree poet Gulzar Dehlvi said at a mushaira last night.
The 89-year-old Urdu poet was speaking at the 16th edition of ‘Jashn-e-Bahar’, an Urdu poetry symposium attended by poets from India, Pakistan, Japan, among other countries.
“All the politicians remember the importance and beauty of Urdu during elections,” he said.
Agreeing with him, other poets also said that it is only when politicians are “seeking votes” that they recognise the beauty of Urdu, and use it frequently as it is a simple language and easily understood by the masses.
However, talking about the future of Urdu, Dehlvi said, “Urdu language is going through a very good growth phase and is gaining popularity and acceptance”.
“In US, from Chicago to California you will find many schools teaching Urdu. While many countries in EU including France, Spain, Czech Republic have Urdu in their curriculum.”
His Pakistani counterpart Fahmida Riaz also said that future of Urdu is very good even in countries outside Indian subcontinent.
“Urdu has a tremendous future ahead and it is doing exceptionally well, we see the use of Urdu everywhere, even in our day-to-day language,” she said, adding that the language is being extensively studied by people across the globe.
The Mushaira was dedicated to the memory of eminent journalist and writer Khushwant Singh, who passed away last month.
“Khushwant Singh wrote in English but loved Urdu. He was the one who encouraged us to organise mushaira Jashn-e-Bahar and was our patron right from the beginning,” Urdu activist and founder, Jashn-e-Bahar Trust, Kamna Prasad, said.
Among the foreign participants who drew wide applause were So Yamane (Japan) and Halil Toker (Turkey).
Chief guest Justice T S Thakur suggested law practitioners and everyone else to learn this beautiful language.
“India’s secular, syncretic identity makes it unique in the world. And in today’s divisive times, Urdu and the composite, tolerant culture it represents (Ganga-Jumni Tahzeeb) can be the bond that can keep this nation united,” Thakur said.
“In our courts, this language still holds a place of importance,” he said.
Syeda Saiyidain said, “I hope this language is able to remove the growing arrogance in the society”.
The poets presented their work on various social issues, elections and cultural topics, all elaborating on the importance and beauty of the Urdu language. (PTI)
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