Mausoleum To Heroes of Indian Idependence

New Delhi, Jul 10 (UNI) Urdu cultural centres and academic events on the role the language played in the first war of Independence 150 years ago are planned, it was announced tonight.

The announcement by the Human Resource Development Ministry came after the Annual General Meeting of the National Council for Promotion of Urdu Language.

Speaking at the AGM, HRD Minister Arjun Singh described Urdu as ''our composite cultural heritage.'' The AGM decided to open Urdu cultural centres in all states to promote the language and approach State Governments to allot land in their respective capital.

Singh said a mausoleum in memory of the heroes of independence will be built in the Indian Capital where important documents and records will be stored to help future generations know-- and research-- the facts of the freedom struggle.

The Council resolved to hold a national seminar on the 1857 uprising to highlight Urdu's ''glorious role'' during the period.

Participants suggested holding an international conference in one of the Gulf countries which have a sizable presence of Urdu speakers.

The HRD Minister invited suggestions on restructuring the Council, which has been organising or sponsoring book fairs, workshops and seminars and to promote the language.

The Council announced a grant to Orissa Urdu Academy to publish a bilingual edition-- Oriya and Urdu-- of Sitakant Mohapatra's poetical works.

UNI