Urdu’s Global Resonance Emphasized at University of Jammu’s ‘Meet the Writer’ Programme

Jammu, August 21: The Department of Urdu, University of Jammu, in collaboration with the Rasa Javedani Memorial Literary Society (RJMLS), organized an engaging “Meet the Writer” programme that brought together eminent Urdu poet and writer Prof. Khawaja Ekram-ud-Din of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi. The event, held at the Prof. Gian Chand Jain Seminar Hall, drew an enthusiastic gathering of students, scholars, and members of the civil society.

In an interactive session moderated by Prof. Shohab Inayat Malik, Head of the Department of Urdu, Prof. Khawaja highlighted the growing relevance of Urdu in the digital era. He observed that young poets across the globe are increasingly using Urdu script on platforms such as Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram, underscoring its popularity beyond South Asia. “Urdu is a language of love and brotherhood that continues to connect communities worldwide, from India to the UK, USA, Mauritius, Germany, Egypt, and Turkey,” he remarked.

Reflecting on his personal journey, Prof. Khawaja shared that he was born in a village in Jharkhand, pursued his early education in local madrasas, and later completed his higher studies at Patna University and Jawaharlal Nehru University, where he earned his Ph.D. in Urdu. He credited his mentor, Prof. Naseer Ahmed Khan, for shaping his literary and academic career, noting that his guidance inspired him to write for magazines and eventually secure a teaching position at JNU.

Answering questions from the audience, Prof. Khawaja emphasized that the younger generation, both in India and abroad, is deeply drawn to Urdu for its cultural richness and poetic tradition. He noted that new voices in Urdu literature are thriving and contributing to its vibrant global presence.

The proceedings were conducted by Dr. Farhat Shamim, Associate Professor, Department of Urdu, while Dr. Chaman Lal, Associate Professor, proposed the formal vote of thanks. The programme was attended by faculty members including Dr. Abdul Rashid Manhas, Dr. Abdul Qayoom, Dr. Jug Mohan, along with a large number of students, scholars, and admirers of Urdu literature.