Jammu, January 10 : For the first time University of Jammu and University of Kashmir are jointly organizing a two days National Seminar on a vital topic “Urdu in J&K Past, Present and Future” This was stated by Professor Shohab Inayat Malik, Director Centre for Professional Studies in Urdu, University of Jammu while addressing media persons here today.Prof. Shohab said that the relevance of seminar becomes more important as Urdu is the official language of the state and is being neglected by the successive state governments.
Prof. Shohab Inayat Malik who is the Director of upcoming seminar described Urdu a language of civilization and secularism. Its contribution in freedom struggle of India is marvelous. “During the rule of Dogra rulers the language gets tremendous boost by the Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir,” he said adding that looking the popularity of Urdu Maharaja Pratap Singh declare it as official language in 1889 A.D. and till date it enjoys the official status in Jammu and Kashmir, but unfortunately Urdu is not getting its due from Govt.
Prof. Shohab said that there is no Urdu academy in the state. “Schools and colleges are without teachers. In government offices Urdu is not being used as were being used in Dogra period,” he said further adding that main thrust of the seminar would be to restore lost glory of Urdu Language and come up with some resolution to emphasis government of Jammu and Kashmir to establish Urdu academy in the state.
Prof. Shohab further maintained that near about 100 Urdu writers of the state are participating in the said seminar which would be also attended by literary personalities of sub continent like Prof. Lutfur Rehman, Dr Ali Javed, Dr Shahid Parvez, Mrs Tarranum Reyaz, Dr Anwar Pasha and Mrs Farhat Rizvi as observers. “The seminar will be inaugurated jointly by Vice Chancellor University of Jammu Prof Varun Sahni and Prof. Reyaz Punjabi Vice Chancellor Kashmir University on 12th of Jan 2009 at 11:00 Am at Seminar Hall of Computer Science block,” informed Prof Malik.