Urdu belongs to all, use techonology for its promotion, JK governor

Srinagar, Jul 30 (UNI) Regretting the misconception in a section of people that Urdu was the language of a particular community, Jammu and Kashmir Governor N N Vohra today said having originated five to six hundred years ago, it has evolved as a symbol of India's composite culture.

Mr Vohra called for the use of communication technology for promotion and growth of Urdu and other languages in the country.

''Over 27 crore people in India and Pakistan converse in this language,'' he said and enumerated the contribution of Mirza Ghalib, Sir Mohammed Iqbal and Firaq Gorakhpuri.

Inaugurating the 20th conference of the All India University Urdu Teachers Association at University of Kashmir here this morning, the Governor expressed satisfaction over relatively better teaching facilities of the language at college and university levels.

However, he felt that more is required to be done at school level.

The Governor said renewed efforts are being made to teach Urdu at primary level in the neighbouring states of Punjab and Haryana.

He called for special initiatives for promotion of Urdu in Jammu and Kashmir being the official language of the state.

Recalling his early school days, Mr Vohra said he was well versed with Urdu and after the partition, he learnt Hindi and Punjabi as well.

He said one feels so much at home with his mother tongue that he feels very comfortable in expressing himself.

In this context, he referred to the diplomats engaged in Indo-Pak dialogue and said in a lighter vein that though they begin with English they end up with Punjabi or Urdu.

In his welcome address, Prof Riyaz Punjabi, Vice Chancellor, University of Kashmir, said the number of Urdu speaking people has gradually increased in India and Pakistan.

Even at international level, the language has got big impetus, which is reflected by publication of Urdu magazines from various European countries.

Professor Punjabi said the University would soon host an Urdu Critics Conference on the Campus.

Professor Amitabh Mattoo, Vice Chancellor of Jammu University said the language has greatly helped in binding the people.

It has further strengthened and cemented the relations in sub continent, he said, adding the promotion of Urdu should not be the responsibility of its writers but society as a whole should strive for it.

He said Urdu is a shinning symbol of India's composite ethos.

The Vice Chancellor said concerted efforts are being made by the University of Jammu in promoting Urdu along with other languages.

UNI BAS SW RAI1314