JAMMU, Nov 13: The two-day International Seminar on “Viksit Bharat and Urdu Language and Literature”, jointly organised by the Department of Urdu, University of Jammu, and the Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages, concluded with a valedictory function graced by Sakina Masood Itoo, Cabinet Minister for Health & Medical Education and Social Welfare, as the Chief Guest.
The seminar brought together eminent scholars, academicians and researchers from India and abroad to deliberate on the significance of Urdu language and literature in the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
Addressing the gathering, Sakina Itoo highlighted the rich literary and cultural legacy of Urdu and emphasised the need to preserve and promote the language. She stressed the importance of encouraging younger generations to remain connected with their linguistic and literary heritage and appreciated the University of Jammu & Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages for providing a platform for meaningful academic and intellectual exchange.
Prof. Neelu Rohmetra, Dean Research Studies, University of Jammu, who presided over the occasion, appreciated the efforts of the Department of Urdu for organising the international seminar and providing a valuable platform for academic deliberations and scholarly exchange on the contemporary relevance of Urdu language and literature.
The second day of the seminar witnessed insightful academic deliberations, with eminent academicians, scholars and research scholars exploring the relevance and contribution of Urdu language and literature in the contemporary national context.
The academic proceedings commenced with the first session, presided over by Prof. Mezhar Mehdi, with Prof. Shafaq Soopori and Prof. Zama Azurda sharing the presidium. The session featured scholarly presentations by Prof. Mohd. Ali Johar (Aligarh Muslim University), Prof. Altaf Anjum (University of Kashmir), Dr. Kouser Rasool (University of Kashmir), Dr. Shahnaz Qadri (Higher Education Department), Dr. Rukhsana Rahim (University of Kashmir) and Dr. Irfan Ul Hassan Mehdi (University of Kashmir). The presentations explored diverse literary, cultural and intellectual dimensions of the seminar’s theme, highlighting the contribution of Urdu to India’s composite culture, social harmony and national development.
The second academic session was presided over by Dr. T. R. Raina and Janab Khalid Hussain. Research papers were presented by Prof. Mohd. Reyaz Ahmad, Dr. Parshotam Paul Singh, Ahmed Tawseef Qudus and Ibrar Ahmad. The presentations highlighted the contemporary significance of Urdu language and literature and examined its potential in shaping an inclusive and culturally vibrant vision of Viksit Bharat.
The valedictory function provided an opportunity to reflect on the academic deliberations and exchange of ideas during the two-day seminar. The discussions underscored the importance of preserving and promoting linguistic diversity, cultural pluralism and the humanistic values embodied in Urdu literature as integral elements of the vision of Viksit Bharat.
Prof. Shohab Inayat Malik presented the vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to the Chief Guest, distinguished scholars, paper presenters, participants and all those who contributed to the successful organisation of the seminar.
The academic deliberations were followed by a Mushaira, bringing together poets to celebrate the richness, literary elegance and enduring cultural legacy of Urdu poetry. The Mushaira added a vibrant literary dimension to the concluding day, bringing the two-day academic and cultural gathering to a memorable close.