New Delhi: Urdu, a language known for bridging cultural divides and promoting love and peace, is now finding new avenues of expansion through digital media. Recognizing this potential, the Urdu Academy, Delhi, has organized a three-day National Seminar on “Digital Media and Urdu Language and Literature: Contemporary Perspectives and Possibilities.” The initiative has been lauded as both timely and relevant in today’s digital age.
During the inaugural session, Professor Khwaja Mohammad Iqramuddin, the seminar’s convenor, emphasized that India is a land of multiple languages and cultures, where diverse ideas and ideologies coexist. He stated that Urdu serves as a unifying force among these differences. He further elaborated that the seminar aims to explore ways to bridge the gap between Urdu and digital media, ensuring that the language remains relevant and accessible in modern times.
Professor Iqramuddin highlighted the fusion of human intelligence with technology, stressing how machines now store and transmit knowledge, playing an essential role in improving the quality of life. Mohammad Ahsan Abid, Secretary of Urdu Academy, Delhi, welcomed the attendees and emphasized the need to adapt to the digital era. He expressed his satisfaction that digital platforms are now being used effectively for the promotion and dissemination of Urdu literature.
Delivering the keynote address, Professor Shafiq Qadwai noted that digital tools have significantly expanded human thought and interaction. He explained how websites, social media, and applications enable ideas and literature to reach global audiences in an instant. He predicted that the significance of digital platforms in promoting languages, including Urdu, would continue to grow in the future.
Special guest J. Javed Danish spoke about the importance of introducing children to digital learning in a productive way through educational tools and games. He stressed that academies could play a crucial role in this effort. Meanwhile, honorary guest Qurban Ali described digital media as the new currency of the modern world, meeting various needs across industries and communities. He congratulated the Urdu Academy, Delhi, for its efforts in organizing this significant seminar.
In his presidential address, Shaquille Hassan Shamsi reflected on the introduction of computers in India and their impact on language accessibility. He noted that Urdu has kept pace with technological advancements, with a growing presence in online books, magazines, journals, and even educational games. He emphasized the importance of preserving and promoting the Urdu script, calling it a critical responsibility for the new generation.
The session was eloquently moderated by Dr. Shafiq Ayub, ensuring a smooth and engaging discussion. The seminar highlighted the increasing relevance of Urdu in the digital era while underlining the urgent need for its preservation and continued development in the evolving technological landscape.
