Urdu Development Organisation Expresses Concern
New Delhi: The Urdu Development Organisation (UDO) has consistently emphasised that institutions established by the government such as Urdu academies and the National Council for Promotion of Urdu Language (NCPUL) are run and managed by the Government of India and state governments. Therefore, they should function accordingly. If these institutions or councils fail in their formal constitution or become inactive, the central and state governments will be directly responsible.
Expressing concern, UDO National President Dr. Syed Ahmad Khan stated that the NCPUL functions under the Ministry of Education, with the Education Minister serving as its Chairperson. However, it is unfortunate that despite a positive response from the Prime Minister’s Office, no meeting of the constituted body has been held for nearly two and a half years, nor has the concerned ministry found time to review the council’s functioning. The position of Vice-Chairman also remains vacant.
He added that the absence of any meeting by the Education Minister over the past two and a half years – either to review the council’s work or to plan for the future – has created a wave of concern among the Urdu-speaking community.
The organisation once again urged the government to take this matter seriously, stressing that the issue of the Urdu language is a national matter. Urdu does not belong to any particular community or religion; it is a language of India. It has flourished and developed in this country, and people have embraced it as an effective means of expression. Even today, it continues to hold a special place in the hearts of millions.
Highlighting the importance, utility, and popularity of Urdu, Dr. Khan cited examples such as platforms like Rekhta, which are promoting the language among the public in line with contemporary needs. He noted that during Jashn-e-Rekhta events, entry passes are often difficult to obtain despite payment, clearly demonstrating the large number of Urdu enthusiasts. He further added that Urdu remains widely used in Hindi films, reflecting its enduring appeal.
