Hyderabad: Students of Maulana Azad National Urdu University (MANUU) staged a protest on Tuesday against Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath’s remarks in the state assembly. They condemned his statement as anti-Urdu and reflective of deep-seated prejudices against the language and its cultural heritage.
The protest was in response to Yogi’s February 18 statement targeting the Samajwadi Party for demanding Urdu translations of assembly proceedings. He claimed such moves would push children toward becoming “maulvis” and promote fanaticism. He said his government aimed to produce doctors, engineers, and scientists, not “maulvis” or “mullas.”
Research scholar Talha Mannan addressed the protest. He said Yogi’s remarks reflect a broader anti-Muslim agenda aimed at erasing Muslim contributions in India. Urdu, he emphasized, is not just a language but a symbol of India’s composite culture, rich in poetry, literature, and religious scholarship. “This is not just an attack on a language but an attempt to erase the cultural legacy of Muslims,” he added.
Mateen Ashraf, outgoing MANUU Students’ Union president, also spoke. He reminded that Urdu played a vital role in India’s freedom movement. It was the language of figures like Mahatma Gandhi, Premchand, and Chakbast. “Yogi’s words undermine this legacy and show prejudice against an indigenous language that has enriched India’s culture,” he said.
Students urged MANUU’s administration, faculty, and staff to condemn these divisive remarks. They stressed that MANUU, as the only central university dedicated to Urdu, has a duty to safeguard the language and its heritage.
A large gathering of students stood united in defense of Urdu. They sent a strong message that any attempt to demean the language would face resistance. Protesters reiterated that attacks on Urdu are not just about language but assaults on India’s pluralistic and diverse culture.
