“Urdu is not only a language but is also a culture having a rich cultural heritage to its credit. It is an Indian language which has played a vital role in promotion of Indian Culture, heritage and civilization. It has also played a vital role in the freedom struggle of India.” These words were spoken by the illustrious speakers in the Inaugural function of the two day International seminar being organized by the department of Urdu, University of Jammu on the topic “Composite culture and Urdu literature”.
The seminar was inaugurated by Prof. M.K. Dhar Vice Chancellor of the University of Jammu, who in his speech lauded the efforts of Urdu department for organizing such a big event. Describing Urdu India made Language Prof. Dhar spook at length about the cultural; contribution of Urdu language. He described Urdu a language which is the mixture of various words of other languages. Prof. Dhar said that Urdu has produced towering poets like Galib, Iqbal and Mir whose contribution in composite culture could not be ignored. Prof. Dhar quoted some of the verses which were highly appreciated by the audience. He further said that Urdu language has played a vital role in the freedom struggle of India.
While presenting his key note address the renowned Urdu critic and researcher Dr Taqi Abedi from Canada in detail threw light on the composite culture of Urdu poetry as well as of Urdu Prose. He said that every Urdu writer has written on composite culture of India starting from 1st poet of Urdu Amir Kasorru to the modern poet like Nasir Kazmi and Ahmed Faraz, Dr Taqi Abedi gave various examples where composite culture has been highlighted by the writers of Urdu language. Describing Pandit Daya Shanker Naseem a towering poet of Urdu, who has written various verses on composite culture. Dr. Taqi Abedi too highlighted the works of Mir, Galib, Firaq, Faiz and others, who by their tremendous poetry has strengthened the composite culture. The thought provoking key note address of Dr. Taqi Abedi was appreciated by one and all.
Prof. Khawaja Ekram-ud-din from JNU, New Delhi who presided over the function said that Urdu language is being spoken in almost all the countries of the world. Some pockets of Urdu speaking people has grown in European as well as in east countries. He said that in Egypt students are interested to learn Urdu. Thus Urdu has become a link language between the different countries of the world. Its history is full of composite culture, whether it is poetry or prose. The writhers have written various writings on composite culture. He quoted some examples to prove that How Urdu is a language of composite culture.
Earlier in his welcome address Prof. Shohab Inayat Malik, HOD Urdu and Dean Faculty of Arts highlighted the aims and objectives of organizing of seminar on the vital topic. He said that papers which would be presented in the seminar will be published in a book form to benefit the new generation. Prof. Shohab Inayat Malik also spook on the role of urdu language in promoting the composite culture. He said that Urdu still is a link language of India which has united the whole country from Kashmir to kanyakumari.
Dr Mohd Reyaz Ahmed, Associate Professor of the department of Urdu presented a vote of thanks. On this occasion Dr. Taqi Abedi was also presented Rasa Javedani memorial Award. A Short story collection titled “Mehndi Lahoo Ki” written by short story writer Syeda Tabassum from Mumbai was also released by the dignitaries who presented on the dice. Later various papers were presented by various scholars on the theme of the seminar. An Urdu Mushira in collaboration with State Academy of Art, Culture and languages was also organized in which various poets recited their Urdu verses and entertain the audience.