New Delhi: The Urdu Book Review has launched its website, aimed at modernizing the Urdu language and enhancing research awareness. This initiative was highlighted by Editor Muhammad Arif Iqbal during the launch event at the Urdu Book Review office.
Welcoming the guests, including Gautam Lahiri, President of the Press Club of India, Iqbal elaborated on the objectives and services of the Urdu Book Review. He stated that the website was developed in response to a special request from the University Grants Commission (UGC) after being included in the UGC Care List. Iqbal assured attendees that efforts would continue to enhance the website over time.
The event was presided over by Gautam Lahiri, who expressed his support for the initiative. Among the prominent attendees were senior journalist A.U. Asif, Director of the Press Club of India; former Director of the National Council for the Promotion of Urdu Language Dr. Irtaza Karim, former Deputy Director of DD News Idris Shahjahanpuri, Assistant Professor Dr. Syed Tanveer Hussain from Jamia Millia Islamia, publisher Izhar Nadeem, and researchers Tohid Haqani and Nazish Ahmad.
In his address, Gautam Lahiri emphasized the Press Club’s ongoing efforts to provide recognition to Urdu journalists through membership initiatives. He highlighted the contributions of the renowned Urdu journalist and freedom fighter Shaheed Muhammad Baqar, whose portrait is now permanently displayed at the Press Club. An annual program is also held to pay tribute to Shaheed Muhammad Baqar, with A.U. Asif playing an active role in promoting his legacy.
Lahiri expressed a personal interest in the Urdu language and indicated his intention to learn it in order to further contribute to its promotion. The event concluded with acknowledgments to the website’s organizers, including Muhammad Imran Qanoji, Nadeem Arif, and Muhammad Hanif Naeemi, who facilitated the proceedings.
