Srinagar: A two- day National Seminar on the present scenario of Urdu language and literature, ‘Riyasat Jammu Kashmir Main Urdu Zubaan-o-Adab ki Mojuuda Surat-e-haal’ is being held here at University of Kashmir.
The seminar is being organised by Department of Urdu KU in collaboration with National Council for Promotion of Urdu Language, (NCPUL), New Delhi.
Registrar University of Kashmir, Dr Nisar Ahmad Mir who presided over the inaugural session of the seminar said “Keeping in view the present situation of Urdu language in the state of Jammu and Kashmir there is a dire need to revive its present status for further development.”
Former Head and Dean Jamia Millia Islamia Department of Urdu, New Delhi, Prof Obaid-ur-Rehman Hashmi in his keynote address thanked the organizers for inviting him on the occasion.
He said that Kashmir has carried a legacy of rich traditions rooted in the Sufi culture and has produced gems in the language and literature. “There are names of brilliant poets and writers from Kashmir whose names would always resonate whenever rich language and literature is being talked about.”
He also talked about the relevance of the language in contemporary times and read out poetry couplets of various Urdu poets of the subcontinent.
Head Department of Urdu, KU and the seminar patron Prof (Dr) Arifa Bushra delivered the welcome address. She talked about the viability of the Urdu language and literature and how it came a long way in the state of Jammu and Kashmir where it isn’t even a native language though is spoken and loved with zest.
“Culture of consumerism and globalization brought with itself many challenges for the language and literature of Urdu, it is only because of it’s strong capacity that it withstood the tests and continues to thrive till date.”
Former Director Directorate of Distance Education University of Kashmir Prof Shafiqa Parveen who was the guest of honor on the occasion said that Urdu language bridged people of various communities, region and countries despite all the odds and would continue in the same promising direction.
