Kidwai moots spl library for Mewati literature

Chandigarh, May 28 (UNI) Haryana Governor A R Kidwai today directed the Haryana Urdu Akademi that a library should be set up in the Mewat area of the state for preserving and protecting the ancient and rich literature of Mewati dialect.

The Governor was addressing a gathering of Urdu writers and litterateurs here after giving away awards and prizes to renowned Urdu writers who had made outstanding contribution towards promoting the Urdu language in the state.

Dr Kidwai said a number of books and literature of Mewati dialect were available in the libraries of Varanasi and Lucknow which should be collected, compiled, translated and published in Devnagri script by the Akademi so that the future generation could know the importance of this literature.

He said the Mewati literature was deeply related to the national freedom movement.

The Governor praised noted Urdu writer of Mewat Hakim Azmal Khan who had translated the epic of Mahabharata in the Mewati dialect. ''The Urdu language is very popular for its unique shayari (shayari) which is still liked by the people as a language of culture and courtesy.'' He said it was the moral duty of the society to accord due regard and respect to writers and poets as the ideas and views given by them played a vital role in strengthening the national unity and integrity.

Education Minister Mange Ram Gupta called upon the writers to preserve and protect the moral values of cultural traditions which were very essential for reconstruction of a strong society.

Haryana Urdu Akademi Secretary K L Zakir highlighted various achievements of the Akademi made during the past 22 years.

UNI MA RL AS1807