Urdu language is doorway to a rich treasure of knowledge: AS Puthige

Dubai, Nov 11: Urdu language is the doorway to a rich treasure of knowledge, heritage and inspiration, said Abdussalam Puthige, editor in chief, Vartha Bharathi Kannada Daily, Mangaluru.

He was speaking on the occasion of releasing the English Translation of 'Shikwa aur Jawabe Shikwa', the universally acclaimed work of Dr Sir Muhammed Iqbal, held at Hotel Crown Plaza, Dubai. The work translated by Mr Puthige and published by IBT Malaysia was released by Nissar Ahmed, Managing Director, Nash Engineering FZCO. Copies of this work are available at the Sharjah International Book Fair.

Mr Puthige said that due to various political and historical factors, the language has suffered a few setbacks in India during the last few decades. But the popularity of Urdu has not declined. People across communities admire Urdu for being a powerful medium of communication, its smooth and lucid nature and its ability to enrich itself by spontaneously absorbing and assimilating words and phrases from all its neighboring languages.

Practically Urdu is the most understood language in India and therefore Urdu language and literacy fully deserves to be promoted, he added.

Delivered a detailed talk on the life, personality and contributions of Dr Iqbal, he said during an age when nationalism was on a high pitch globally and colonial powers had deeply influenced the hearts and minds of the East, Dr Iqbal glorified the traditional and spiritual values of the East.

“Dr Iqbal consistently stood for universal brotherhood and advocated fraternity sans borders. He raised his voice against the oppressive policies of the British Raj and exhorted people to demonstrate their self-esteem by revolting against colonial powers. One of the outstanding aspects of Dr Iqbal is he is equally loved and revered by people belonging to various nationalities and religious communities,” Puthige said.

Reem Al Batool, a young student, melodiously sang the prayer "Lab Pe Aati Hai Dua". Khadija Roohi and her sister Fathima Raeesa, daughters of Mumtaz Hussain, Qatar, who had scored first ranks in Urdu language in their respective CBSE exams were felicitated on this occasion.

Nissar Ahmed (Nash Engineering), Syed Khalil, Mumtaz Hussain, Farooquddin, Mohammed Ali Uchil, Mansoor, Mohammed Asif were all present. Afroze Assadi of Northern Insurance, Dubai, was the chief organiser of the event. Thanveer Abdul Razzak compered the programme.