New Delhi, August 14, 2024: Dr. Syed Ahmed Khan, National President of the Urdu Development Organization (UDO), has expressed deep sorrow over the recent closure of the Rajasthan Urdu Academy. In a statement, Dr. Khan described the academy’s closure as highly regrettable, citing it as a significant loss for the preservation and promotion of Urdu in the region.
He recalled that the Rajasthan Urdu Academy was established in 1980 under the leadership of the late Bhairon Singh Shekhawat, who was then Chief Minister during the Janata Party’s rule. Dr. Khan praised the academy’s past achievements, including the publication of the renowned monthly magazine Nakhlistan, and noted that it had once played a pivotal role in promoting Urdu literature and culture in Rajasthan.
However, due to the persistent neglect by the state government, the academy has been without adequate staff for several years, leading to its unfortunate closure. Dr. Khan emphasized that this is not just a setback for the academy but a dishonor to the legacy of Bhairon Singh Shekhawat, a distinguished leader who also served as the Vice President of India.
Dr. Khan further highlighted the critical shortage of Urdu teachers in the Department of Urdu at Rajasthan University and its affiliated colleges. He warned that if these issues are not addressed promptly, the closure of the Urdu department itself could become a reality.
He stressed that Urdu is not just a language but a guardian of the Ganga-Jamuni culture and a custodian of India’s rich heritage. Dr. Khan urged the Rajasthan government to take immediate steps to revive the dwindling status of Urdu in the state. He called for the reconstitution of the Rajasthan Urdu Academy and the prompt appointment of the necessary staff to ensure its smooth functioning.
