The Anjuman Khawateen Urdu of Tamil Nadu organised an inspiring World Urdu Day event recently, at the R.A.M. Lace Hall in Royapettah, Chennai. This gathering celebrated the significance of the Urdu language and aimed to bring to light the spirit of Allama Iqbal’s poetry.
The programme opened with recitations of the Quran, followed by Hamd and Naat, infusing the gathering with a sacred atmosphere. Students captivated the audience with renditions of Iqbal’s famous poems in a unique style, which received much admiration from participants.
As per a reported of Imtiyaz Urdu Channel, Dr. Ghausia Saeeda, in her welcome address, extended a warm greeting to the guests, including Dr. Saba Mustafa, a renowned poet and writer, and Dr. Shamim, Director of NCERT and Principal of Lady Willingdon College. She also acknowledged the presence of educators, dignitaries, and guests who came to celebrate the event.
Following this, awards were presented to Urdu teachers in recognition of their dedication to teaching the language in association-run schools. Dr. Nikhat Naz, Jamira Bano, and Jameel-un-Nisa were honoured with medals for their contributions.
Dr. Parveen Fatima, President and Founder of the Anjuman Khawateen Urdu, delivered a powerful presidential address, emphasising the beauty and heritage of Urdu. She stressed the need to work collectively for its preservation, inspiring both mothers and children to embrace and learn the language.
Guest of Honour, Dr. Saba Mustafa, elaborated on Iqbal’s life and poetry, highlighting his poetic brilliance and contribution to literature.
Dr. Shamim underscored the importance of instilling love for one’s mother tongue from childhood. She urged parents and teachers to play a crucial role in introducing children to Urdu literature, regardless of the field they choose to pursue in the future.
The event also included a symposium, where distinguished educators from Tamil Nadu’s various institutions spoke on the literary greatness of Iqbal. Among them were Dr. Nikhat Naz from Queen Mary’s College, Ms. Mohammadi from Government Hobart Higher Secondary School, and Ms. Jamila-un-Nisa from Anjuman Khawateen Urdu. A poetry session followed, featuring notable poets such as Fazila Fatima, Anjum Ara, Ghausia Saeeda, Parveen Fatima, and Dr. Saba Mustafa, who shared their verses, delighting the audience.
The event saw a large turnout of women from Chennai and surrounding areas, including respected figures such as Parveen Papa, Mumtaz Begum, Dr. Rasheeda-un-Nisa, Anjum Afroze, Zohra Bano, Dr. Meera, Suraiya Begum, Tanga Lakshmi (Headmistress), Mrs. Karbhavati (Corporation Urdu Boys Primary School), Mrs. Sameena Rizwan, Noor-un-Nisa, Fareeda Khatoon, Amta-ul-Ayesha, Dr. Faiza-un-Nisa, Shaima, and Mozina.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Sajida Firdous, a teacher from Corporation Urdu Boys Primary School. Guests were offered refreshments, and prayer arrangements were provided.
