Promotion of Urdu as language of instruction is the aim of Maulana Azad National Urdu University. It is our primary responsibility to achieve this aim. Urdu despite being one of the most important Indian languages is virtually in exile in its own country. It has been ignored. Urdu is surviving on it’s own despite all adversities and against all odds. It is quiet popular among masses due to its sweetness. Mr. Tariq Anwar, Minister of State, Agriculture and Food Processing industries, Govt. of India expressed these views today at the 15th Foundation Day Celebration of MANUU.
Prof. Mohammad Miyan, Vice-Chancellor presided over the function. Prof. Rudi Matthee, Munroe Professor of Middle East History, University of Delaware U.S.A. was the guest of honour and delivered lecture on “Historical Connections: Iran, Ottoman Empire and India”.
Addressing the gathering at DDE Auditorium as Chief Guest, Mr. Tariq Anwar described the establishment of Urdu University as an effort by the Govt. to promote Urdu Language. It is our duty to deliver the responsibilities with all consciousness. Students from the Urdu University shall not feel stranger after passing out. They shall be able to rub shoulders with others. India is a country where numerous languages and dialects are spoken. People belonging to different cultures, sections and religions live here. It is not an easy task to keep them binding. It is the power of Indian Democracy which has united the people. Today almost every language has an equal opportunity to flourish and is being promoted. Mr. Tariq Anwar praised the rapid pace of development of MANUU and expressed pleasure over his visit.
Prof. Rudi Matthee in his absorbing lecture traced the Indo, Iranian and Ottoman connections with reference to the 17th and earlier part of 18th Centuries. According to the historian who made power point presentation, a comparison between these three states reveals similarities and differences. Decline in the context of Middle Eastern or Islamic States is not a popular theme these days, he remarked. Yet we still talk about the decline of various Western symbolic centres of political power. According to Prof. Matthee, Ottoman decline for instance has become almost a taboo subject. American Professor in his lecture argued that in the case of the safavids whose capital fell to the onslaught of a small band of Afghans from Qandhar, the term “Decline” is appropriate.
Prof. Mohammad Miyan, in his presidential remarks elaborated the aims, objectives and mandate of Urdu University. MANUU is progressing rapidly to attain the targets. University is operating a satellite campus at lucknow. Sambhal (UP), Asansol (WB) and Bidar (Karnataka) will also have satellite centres soon. Urdu University will give opportunity to Urdu knowing people only, he assured. University has received a letter from UGC to maintain its National Jurisdiction and to protect the women. University has already taken steps in this direction.
Mr. Tariq Anwar, after the function laid Foundation Stone for Centralized Computer Centre and Digital Resource Centre in University Campus. Earlier Prof. S. M. Rahmatullah Registrar I/c welcomed the guests and presented a brief profile of MANUU & threw light on evolution of Urdu language.
Prof. Haseebuddin introduced the Guest. Prof. Mohd. Zafaruddin proposed vote of thanks. Dr. Sameena Kausar Tabish, Asst. Professor Arabic conducted the proceedings. Prominent personalities from Hyderabad and a large number of students, teachers and staff attended the functions.
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