B. D. Sharma (IAS) Retd
Apropos the article on need to promote Urdu language particularly in some parts of Jammu province by K.B Jandial ( DE Feb.11). He has emerged a leading voice in highlighting the current issues and awakening people. . Urdu language has remained an important vehicle of communication in Jammu and it was customary to initiate one’s studies in Urdu. In the third primary some students opted for Hindi language. In the sixth class the students would take up either Hindi or Urdu as a subject and would study history,geography,science etc. in Urdu medium. This way students would acquire proficiency both in Urdu and Hindi languages. Of late, this scheme has drastically changed and lot of emphasis is being given to English either as a subject or as medium of instruction. Both Hindi and Urdu language have been rendered a peripheral space. Consequently, students in Kashmir province and some districts of Jammu division opt to study Urdu and in majority of urban areas and in some districts of Jammu division Hindi is being taken up as a subject. This has led to obliteration of Urdu from a vast section of people. Consequently, as Jandial has rightly pointed out, the representation of a section of population in some departments such as revenue, police,judiciary forest etc. is decreasing. A realistic appraisal of some facts has to be made dispassionately.
Firstly, there should be no doubt that English or Hindi will gradually replace Urdu in departments like revenue, forest, police, judiciary or Hindi can replace Urdu.
Secondly, the importance of English as a medium of learning science and technology and understanding the modern world needs no emphasis. So, the present scheme of studying English and its use as medium of instruction should continue in.
Thirdly, no sane person can link a language with a particular religion or section of society. So if some people had erroneously propagated this misinformation, they should stop it forthwith in the interest of their own people. We as a people are product of synthesis of different streams of thought and Urdu is a fine example of that synthesis. Every section of the society has contributed for Urdu ‘ s growth and it has in return served all sections of the society. There is hardly any religious books of Hindus which is not available in Urdu. Many Hindus scholars be it Ram Babu Saxena, Chakbast Lakhanavi or Firaq Gorakhpuri have contributed to enrich Urdu language.
Fourthly,Hindi and Urdu are sister languages. There may not be similar two languages in the world with such a degree of commonality of grammar as these have. Fortunately, Urdu scholars in recent years have initiated a process of diluting the persianised form of Urdu language in to hindized form. This is making easy the understanding of Urdu language gradually. I know persons who started from learning the alphabets and gradually matured in writing and attesting mutations in Revenue Department within six months.
Fifthly, Urdu language has given enjoyment to generation after generation through its repertoire of ghazals and film songs. Though a large number of poets and lyricist use simple language still there is a sprinkle of Urdu words and enjoyment is multiplied if one has some knowledge of Urdu language and understands the nuances of the work. Keeping these facts in view the knowledge of Urdu becomes indescribable for all the residents of the state. So the Government must, as the author has stressed, immediately make the study of Urdu language compulsory at least up to 8th class. The students should also be provided every opportunity to study Hindi the national language and Dogri or Kashmiri their mother tongues. This will not create difficulties because of same script for Hindi and Dogri and Urdu and Kashmiri. This will add burden to the satchel of the children but there is no escape from it in the light of our past and the circumstances prevailing now prevailing in our state. The gradual reduction of employees of a particular section of society in the key departments would give an opportunity to the forces bent upon arousing the passions of people on regional and religious basis. Apart from making the study of Urdu compulsory by the government the civil society in Jammu province should also come forward to take up this cause. Members of the civil societies, NGO’s, sabhas, political parties and even private educational institutions should organise classes for those who have not studied Urdu, and prepare them for matriculation exam in Urdu as an additional subject.
Urdu has played an important role in Hindu Muslim relationship which needed to be harnessed that also help in bridging the gap between the Valley and Jammu which is the need of the hour.
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