Urdu represents Ganga-Jamuni Tehzeeb of India: Dr Farooq

Srinagar: Asserting that Urdu is a representative language of Ganga-Jamuni Tehzeeb of India, former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Dr Farooq Abdullah on Saturday said there was a kind of communal mentality that is spreading a malicious propaganda about this language.

Dr Abdullah was speaking after inaugurating the 23rd All India Urdu book fair (Kul Hind Urdu Mela), organised by the National Council for Promotion of Urdu Language (NCPUL), at the University of Kashmir.

President of the National Conference (NC) and MP from Srinagar Parliamentary constituency Dr Abdullah who was chief guest on the occasion visited 51 stalls being erected by book sellers from across the country. Books on various subjects from all across the country have been put on display for the readers.

He said there was a kind of communal mentality that is spreading a malicious propaganda about Urdu language. 

”Urdu never belonged to a particular sect or faith. Urdu is a representative language of Ganga-Jammuni Tahzeeb of India; the language has been watered by both Hindus and Muslims. The existence of Urdu language owes a lot to Munshi Prem Chand and others, he said.

”However, he alleged that the scathing rise of communalism in the country is taking toll on the language. Today we see homogeneity being forced on our country that has always been known for its diversity. This I believe is one of the diminishing factors of Urdu from our day to day lives.

”I take this opportunity to welcome the initiative of NCPUL for coming up with such fairs annually. Events like these provide a window of opportunity for those who have a penchant for Urdu literature. Such festivals and fairs will surely acquaint the new generation about the contemporary happening in the field of Urdu literature.”

Dr Abdullah underscored the need giving equal respect to local languages. “Learning to speak in ones mother language is very essential for a child’s overall development. Being fluent in other languages helps a child in many ways. 

However, using local languages as a medium of teaching, helps a lot in the cognitive development of a child. Kashmiri languages known for its richness, particularly for its poetry, maxims and other literary aspects; the need of the hour is to get our new generation acquainted with it. 

Similarly, the speakers of other languages take equal pride in speaking their languages. It is thus imperative for a government to provide patronage to all the languages of the state,” he said, “the contemporary youth should strive towards getting education. It is the education that holds the panacea for all the problems.”

Vice Chancellor, University of Kashmir Tallat Ahmad; Registrar Nisar Ahmad and Director of NCPL Dr Sheikh Nida, were present on the occasion.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.